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Science News Archive May 2018 - Page 2


Page 2 of 44

Scientists use RFID chips to track biological samples

Scientists have developed a method to track biological samples using RFID chips, which can withstand extreme conditions and identify organoids grown from stem cells. This technology has the potential to advance drug testing and transplantation by providing real-time data on organoid health.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·DateMay 31, 2018

Beyond BRCA: Links between breast, second primary cancer and inherited mutations

A recent study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that rates of inherited mutations in genes other than BRCA1/2 are twice as high in breast cancer patients with a second primary cancer. The study also investigated polygenic risk scores, which were not strongly linked to an increased risk of cancer.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateMay 31, 2018

Political tension during the 2016 US Election cut many Thanksgiving dinners short

A study found that households with opposing political views spent significantly less time at the Thanksgiving table in 2016. Political tension exacerbated this effect, particularly for those exposed to high amounts of advertising. Overall, partisan differences cost Americans 73.6 million hours spent interacting during Thanksgiving.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 31, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Lipid molecules can be used for cancer growth

Cancer cells use lipid molecules as fuel when blood supply is low, helping them evade antiangiogenic treatment. A new mechanism suggests that blocking lipid energy pathways could improve cancer treatment outcomes.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 31, 2018
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.

The right squeeze for quantum computing

Scientists at Hokkaido University have developed a theoretical approach to quantum computing that uses light squeezing to dramatically reduce errors. This new method is ten billion times more tolerant of errors than current experimental methods, bringing us closer to developing ultra-accurate quantum computers.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMay 31, 2018

Soaking up the water and the sweat -- a new super desiccant

Researchers have developed a new carbon-based material that significantly outperforms current drying agents, with twice the absorbent capacity of industry standard silica gel. The super desiccant can discharge moisture at energy-saving low temperatures, making it suitable for frequent reuse and reducing costs.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalChemical Science·DateMay 31, 2018

International team studies world's last uncharted major river delta

The research team aims to understand how the Irrawaddy-Salween Delta will respond to expected changes in sediment supply and coastal dynamics due to climate change and human development. They are using field studies and computer modeling to characterize where sediments accumulate and the mechanisms that move them.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·DateMay 31, 2018
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.

Cool weather can amplify attacks of tree-killing bark beetle

Research from Dartmouth College shows that cooler weather can increase the lethality of southern pine beetles' attacks on trees. The study demonstrates how climate change creates a destructive one-two punch for forests, with warmer temperatures leading to synchronized emergence of adult beetles and increased population density.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalOecologia·DateMay 31, 2018

UMD-led study shows how Earth slows the solar wind to a gentle breeze

A University of Maryland-led study has observed the electron heating process in Earth's bow shock, revealing a new mechanism for converting energy from the solar wind to heat. This breakthrough provides valuable new insights into Earth's magnetic field and its ability to protect the planet from harmful particles and radiation.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 31, 2018

AI researchers design 'privacy filter' for your photos

Researchers at University of Toronto design an algorithm to dynamically disrupt facial recognition systems, protecting users' privacy. The 'privacy filter' alters specific pixels in images to make changes imperceptible to the human eye, fooling facial detection AI.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·DateMay 31, 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.

One in four intensive care patients return to hospital, study shows

A quarter of intensive care patients are readmitted to hospital shortly after returning home, research suggests. Poor carer stress, difficulty understanding health and social care packages, and psychological trauma contribute to high rates of return, the findings show. The study highlights the need for services to take into account com...

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalBMJ Quality & Safety·DateMay 31, 2018

New Horizons data reveals dunes made of methane on Pluto

Scientists have discovered dunes made of solid methane on Pluto, defying expectations due to the dwarf planet's thin atmosphere. The findings were made possible by New Horizons' detailed images and modeling, which suggest that wind can create these unique landforms through a process involving sublimation.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 31, 2018

Firing up a new alloy

A new alloy is being developed through the testing of a sintering process in microgravity aboard the International Space Station. The investigation uses liquid phase sintering to study the degree of distortion caused by microgravity, with potential applications for space manufacturing and Earth-based industries.

SourceNASA/Johnson Space Center·DateMay 31, 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.

Scientists rethink co-evolution of marine life, oxygenated oceans

Researchers used a novel geochemical proxy to study the evolution of marine life and oxygen levels in the ocean. The findings suggest that upper-ocean oxygen levels did not stabilize until 200 million years ago, when larger eukaryotic plankton dominated the world's oceans.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalScience·DateMay 31, 2018

Making data matter

Researchers create physical objects from imaging datasets using a new data processing method that preserves fine details and allows quick distinction between parts. This innovation aims to make 3D printing more accessible and allow anyone to print nearly anything.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 31, 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.

A new device for detecting gas leaks has been developed

A new device developed by Sensia Solutions can detect gas leaks and measure their amount, providing a solution to this problem at an affordable price. The technology has the potential to reduce the carbon footprint from gas leaks by up to 70%.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·DateMay 31, 2018

For patients with prostate cancer, dysfunction due to treatment side effects results in increased emotional distress -- and vice versa

A new study found that men with prostate cancer who experience urinary, bowel, or sexual dysfunction after treatment are more likely to experience emotional distress, which can lead to worsening function. The researchers emphasize the need for greater investment in psychosocial care to mitigate treatment side effects and improve qualit...

SourceElsevier·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateMay 31, 2018

Perception that antibiotics are harmless is widespread

A study found that patients' beliefs in the harmlessness of antibiotics can lead clinicians to prescribe them more, despite knowledge of side effects, resulting in increased healthcare costs and adverse reactions. The 'WNTAR' belief can also contribute to antibiotic resistance, a growing global health threat.

SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalMedical Decision Making·DateMay 31, 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.

Bigger human brain prioritizes thinking hub -- at a cost

A recent NIH study discovered that bigger human brains prioritize thinking areas at a cost to emotional, sensory, and motor functions. The larger the brain, the more its additional area is accounted for by growth in thinking areas of the cortex, leading to higher energy consumption.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalScience·DateMay 31, 2018

Green tea molecule could prevent heart attacks

Researchers have discovered that a compound found in green tea can break up potentially dangerous protein plaques in the blood vessels, which can reduce the flow of blood to the heart and brain. This discovery could lead to new medicines to treat heart attack and stroke.

SourceBritish Heart Foundation·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 31, 2018

Hydropower in Cambodia could threaten food security of region

The construction of hydroelectric dams on the Mekong River poses significant risks to fish migration, livelihoods, and regional food security in Cambodia. The Tonle Sap Lake's unique hydrological system is strongly influenced by the Asian monsoon, which could be disrupted by changes in water levels and flows.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Soil and Water Conservation·DateMay 31, 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.

Antifungal drug eliminates sleeping bowel cancer cells in mice

Researchers found that an antifungal medication can halt the growth of dormant cells within bowel tumours in mice. The study suggests that this drug could be effective in treating advanced bowel cancer by targeting drug-resistant cells.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 31, 2018

Social ties could preserve memory, slow brain aging

Researchers at Ohio State University found that mice housed in groups had better memories and healthier brains than those living in pairs. The study suggests that social connections can positively influence the aging brain and may be a key to preserving cognitive health.

SourceOhio State University·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateMay 31, 2018

Lego-like chemical building blocks self-assemble into catalyst for hydrogen fuel cells

Researchers have designed a new material that uses self-assembly to create an efficient catalyst for hydrogen fuel cells. The catalyst is made from a combination of cobalt and ruthenium molecules that assemble themselves into the desired structure, allowing for large-scale production at a lower cost than current platinum-based catalysts.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateMay 31, 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.

Bacteria ensure square meal for bloodsucking ticks

Ticks cannot survive without bacterial symbionts that synthesize B vitamins from scarce nutrients in blood. A study discovered a key bacterium that produces vital B vitamins, such as biotin and folic acid, for ticks' survival.

SourceCNRS·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 31, 2018

Symptoms worsen around menses for people with borderline personality disorder

Research suggests that females with borderline personality disorder experience worsening symptoms during the perimenstrual window of their menstrual cycle. Symptoms such as depression and anxiety increase by at least 30 percent during this time, which is particularly concerning for individuals at high risk of suicide.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateMay 31, 2018

ORNL ramps up production of key radioisotope for cancer-fighting drug

The US Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a new method to produce actinium-227, a key radioisotope for the cancer drug Xofigo. This will ensure a sustainable supply of the drug, which is used to treat prostate cancer that no longer responds to hormonal or surgical treatment.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateMay 31, 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.

The genome guardian turns to the dark side: Opportunity for drug discovery against cancer?

A research group has developed a new technique to study the behavior of p53 conformers, which are prone to forming amyloid aggregates that contribute to cancer development. The approach allows researchers to observe these conformers before they aggregate, providing potential tools for understanding and blocking their formation.

SourcePublicase International·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 31, 2018

For American Indian youth, risk is higher for alcohol, drug use, say CSU researchers

A recent study by Colorado State University researchers found that Native American adolescents are more likely to use alcohol and illicit drugs than non-Native adolescents in the US. The study reported significant disparities in cannabis and alcohol use among Native youth, with 8th-grade students showing the greatest disparity.

SourceColorado State University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 31, 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.

Scientists boost crop production by 47 percent by speeding up photorespiration

A new study led by the University of Essex engineers a model crop to overexpress a protein involved in recycling toxic chemicals, increasing yields by 27-47%. The approach may help farmers produce more food despite increasing temperature stress.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateMay 31, 2018

Prototype nuclear battery packs 10 times more power

Researchers from MIPT and TISNCM developed a new type of nuclear battery using nickel-63 that packs about 3,300 milliwatt-hours of energy per gram, exceeding previous records. The battery achieves a power density 10 times higher than commercial chemical cells, making it suitable for powering small devices.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalDiamond and Related Materials·DateMay 31, 2018

How might baking soda boost cancer therapy?

A study found that baking soda can reverse acidity-induced dormancy and drug resistance in cancer cells, making them more susceptible to therapy. Researchers discovered that baking soda neutralizes the acidity of hypoxic patches in tumors, restoring mTOR activity and protein production.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalCell·DateMay 31, 2018

Organoid profiling identifies treatments for pancreatic cancer

Researchers developed a precision-medicine approach using patient-derived organoids to predict treatment responses in pancreatic cancer. The method identified specific gene signatures that can guide the selection of chemotherapy regimens, offering hope for improved survival rates and quality of life.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCancer Discovery·DateMay 31, 2018
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.

Dolphin algorithm could lead to better medical ultrasounds

Researchers have developed an algorithm inspired by dolphin echolocation, which can disentangle overlapping signals and provide more precise information on object shape. This breakthrough technology could improve medical ultrasound imaging and measure organ membrane thickness, among other applications.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateMay 31, 2018

UT Health San Antonio receives $24 million NIH research boost

UT Health San Antonio will receive funding for pilot projects in various areas, including cancer, heart disease, and regenerative medicine. The university aims to translate research discovery into improved patient care and develop biomedical professionals.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·DateMay 31, 2018

Study examines concerns of living kidney donors

A study found that living kidney donors consider post-donation concerns such as kidney health and surgical impacts more important than hypothetical long-term risks. The research highlights the need to understand donors' priorities for informed decision-making and care.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 31, 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.

Mothers with high emotional, cognitive control help their children behave

A new study by Brigham Young University finds that mothers with high emotional control and problem-solving abilities are less likely to have children develop behavioral problems. The study also suggests that improving mothers' emotional and cognitive control can lead to a reduction in harsh verbal parenting and child conduct problems.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalFamily Relations·DateMay 31, 2018