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Science News Archive May 2018 - Page 21


Page 21 of 44

Big data reveals new Alzheimer's risk genes

A large-scale study has identified three new genes linked to the risk of Alzheimer's disease, shedding light on the mechanisms underlying the condition. The findings, published in Translational Psychiatry, are based on genetic data from over 300,000 people and could pave the way for new approaches to treating the disease.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateMay 17, 2018

Surviving Sepsis Campaign update focuses on critical first hour

The updated 'Hour-1 Bundle' introduces five critical steps for treating sepsis immediately upon recognition, including measuring lactate levels, performing blood cultures, and administering broad-spectrum antibiotics. This revised bundle aims to further reduce mortality rates among patients with sepsis by beginning treatment promptly.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateMay 17, 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.

Scientists analyze first ancient human DNA from Southeast Asia

The study identifies at least three major waves of human migration into Southeast Asia, shaping the genetics of the region to a remarkable extent. The research complements archaeological, historical and linguistic studies, illuminating another critical portion of the story of ancient population dynamics around the world.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateMay 17, 2018

Reading histone modifications, an oncoprotein is modified in return

Researchers have discovered that the act of reading histone modifications leads to the modification of an oncoprotein called TRIM24 with a small protein tag called SUMO. This discovery suggests new ways to inhibit metastasis in cancer cells by targeting TRIM24's interactions with histones.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 17, 2018

Critically endangered South American forests were man made

A new study reveals that ancient communities in South America, particularly the Southern Jê people, played a significant role in expanding the critically endangered Araucaria forests between 1,410 and 900 years ago. The forests, which date back to the time of dinosaurs, were initially established on grasslands and expanded into highlan...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 17, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

University of Kent scientists make vitamin B12 breakthrough

Researchers have discovered that common garden cress can absorb and store vitamin B12, a crucial nutrient for vegetarians and vegans. The study provides a promising solution to address the global challenge of providing a nutrient-complete vegetarian diet.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateMay 17, 2018

What bacteria can teach us about combating atrazine contamination

Researchers discover new proteins involved in atrazine degradation, shedding light on bacterial evolution and adaptation. The study's findings have implications for developing targeted enzymes to contain nitrogen runoff and mitigate algal blooms and animal die-offs.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 17, 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.

UBC Okanagan researchers develop faster test for cannabis quality

Researchers at UBC's Okanagan campus have developed a new method to measure phytocannabinoids, leading to faster, safer and more accurate information for producers and regulators. The new method can test for over 100 phytocannabinoid variants in under 7 minutes.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalPhytochemical Analysis·DateMay 17, 2018

Bone scan software accurately calculates prognosis of advanced prostate cancer

A new software tool called the automated bone scan index (aBSI) has been shown to be both accurate and speedy in calculating how extensively bones have been infiltrated by prostate cancer. The aBSI technology provided prognostic information about patient outcomes, including survival time and symptom progression.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateMay 17, 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.

The ultrafast dance of liquid water

Researchers at Stockholm University have discovered correlated motion in water dynamics on a sub-100 femtosecond timescale, indicating a complex network of hydrogen bonds that play a role even on ultrafast timescales. The study reveals the coordinated dance of water molecules due to the formation of tetrahedral structures.

SourceStockholm University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 17, 2018

Innovative light-delivery technique improves biosensors

A new approach to injecting light into silicon microdisks enhances the performance of chip-based biosensors, leading to more sensitive detection of diseases. The end-fire injection technique offers improved robustness and reduced cost, paving the way for commercial applications.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateMay 17, 2018

Pig immunology comes of age: Killer T cell responses to influenza

Researchers have generated tools to understand the pig immune system's killer T cell responses to influenza, allowing for the design of more effective vaccines. The breakthrough research uses a unique line of pigs and can be applied to other important pig diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 17, 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.

Climate-threatened animals unable to relocate

Researchers studied species' characteristics to predict their relocation abilities, finding that some animals are unable to adapt to changing habitats. Climate change will impact 30 of the 62 mammal species in Europe, with many being at greater risk than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateMay 17, 2018

Above us only sky -- The open air as an underappreciated habitat

Bats inhabit high altitudes, utilizing the troposphere as an important food source, but face threats from collisions with anthropogenic structures and light pollution. Conservation strategies, such as reducing wind power impacts and limiting artificial light emission, can help protect these habitats.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalBioScience·DateMay 17, 2018

Ovarian cancer drug shows promise in pancreatic cancer patients with BRCA mutation

A phase II clinical trial suggests patients with aggressive pancreatic cancer who harbor BRCA mutations may benefit from rucaparib, a PARP inhibitor approved for ovarian cancer. The study found 32% of patients experienced a clinical benefit, including four patients with responses and two with stable disease.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJCO Precision Oncology·DateMay 17, 2018

Morris Animal Foundation study identifies new virus in cat

Researchers have discovered a previously undiscovered hepadnavirus in an immunocompromised cat and found it in banked feline blood samples. The virus is similar to the human hepatitis B virus and has been linked to liver cancers in other species.

SourceMorris Animal Foundation·JournalViruses·DateMay 17, 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.

Surprise cell death discovery provides birth defect clues

Australian researchers have made a surprise discovery that many organs and tissues do not require apoptosis to develop normally, suggesting a link between abnormalities in cell death processes and common birth defects. The study also identified the pro-death protein BOK and its role in apoptosis.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalCell·DateMay 17, 2018

Self-assembling 3D battery would charge in seconds

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a self-assembling 3D battery architecture that enables lightning-fast charging times. The battery's innovative design eliminates energy storage losses and increases power density, making it potentially revolutionary for electronic devices.

SourceCornell University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMay 17, 2018

A way to prevent pancreatic cancer from spreading post-surgery?

A team led by CSHL Professor Douglas Fearon found that dormant cancer cells are already in the liver before surgery, expressing MHC1 and CK19 markers. In a post-operative stress-induced state, these cells re-express markers and begin to divide, forming seeds of metastatic lesions.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMay 17, 2018

New era for blood transfusions through genome sequencing

Researchers have developed a computer program that can comprehensively determine differences in individuals' blood types with over 99% accuracy. This breakthrough has the potential to prevent serious complications and fatalities from blood transfusion reactions.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Haematology·DateMay 17, 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.

Food security and health: Revenge of the nasty fungi

A recent study warns of a global collapse in controlling fungal infections due to emerging resistance. The rapid evolution of resistant fungal strains poses significant threats to human health and food security worldwide.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalScience·DateMay 17, 2018

Diabetes researchers find switch for fatty liver disease

Duke researchers have identified a key fork in the road for the way the liver deals with carbohydrates, fats, and protein. By targeting BCAA breakdown, they found that activating this process reduces fat deposition in the liver and improves glucose regulation. This approach offers a promising new target for combating fatty liver disease.

SourceDuke University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 17, 2018
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.

Immune cell provides cradle for mammary stem cells

A new study reveals that macrophages nurture mammary stem cells through chemical signaling, enabling the precursors of milk-producing cells to mature. The research found that Dll1 signaling is essential for maintaining a healthy mammary gland and may hold clues to preventing breast cancer.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateMay 17, 2018

Can we get 100 percent of our energy from renewable sources?

A team of scientists has responded to criticisms on the feasibility of 100% renewable electricity systems, finding that technical solutions exist to address concerns about grid stability and variability. The study reveals that these solutions are affordable, especially given the decreasing costs of wind and solar power.

SourceLappeenranta University of Technology·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateMay 17, 2018

New method eliminates guesswork when lenses go freeform

Researchers have developed a step-by-step method to design with freeform surfaces, eliminating much of the guesswork. This new approach enables designers to predict which freeform surfaces will work best for a given configuration, reducing trial and error and increasing efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 17, 2018

Microglia are key defenders against prion diseases

Researchers discovered that microglia can defend against prion infections by trapping and destroying aggregated prion proteins. Eliminating microglia with a specific drug accelerated disease progression in infected mice. The findings suggest targeting microglia to slow the course of prion diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of Virology·DateMay 17, 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.

Porous materials make it possible to have nanotechnology under control

Researchers develop MOF, a hybrid material with porosity, enabling control over metallic nanostructures and their applications in catalysis and battery stabilization. The innovative methodology allows for precise control of material design, paving the way for diverse uses of these materials.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalDalton Transactions·DateMay 17, 2018

What happens if we run out?

A large-scale study is proposed to test the efficacy of strategies for preventing pesticide resistance in critical weed and insect species. The authors recommend providing resources for landscape-level studies and incentives for farmers to participate, highlighting the need for a multi-faceted approach to addressing this pressing issue.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience·DateMay 17, 2018

Learning music or speaking another language leads to more efficient brains

A recent Baycrest study suggests that learning music or speaking another language trains the brain to be more efficient. Researchers found that musicians and bilinguals utilized fewer brain resources when completing a working memory task, with less brain activity compared to monolingual individuals.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 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.

Sex, viruses and cancer

Researchers found that combining erectile dysfunction drugs with the flu vaccine can reduce cancer spread by over 90% in a mouse model. The treatment works by blocking immune cells that suppress the immune system after surgery, allowing natural killer cells to fight cancer more effectively.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalOncoImmunology·DateMay 17, 2018

Brain abnormality indicates general risk for mental illness

A new study identifies a brain abnormality associated with a person's general risk for mental illness, found in participants with higher mental health liability. The study suggests a single risk factor may predict development of any form of psychiatric disorder.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMay 17, 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.

Tropical Cyclone 01A forms in northern Indian Ocean

Tropical Cyclone 01A quickly formed in the northern Indian Ocean and strengthened into a tropical storm. The joint typhoon warning center noted maximum sustained winds near 46 miles per hour on May 16, indicating a potential for heavy rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 17, 2018

Biodiversity suffers as climate warms

A global temperature increase of 2°C would double risks for plants, animals, and insects, leading to widespread biodiversity loss. If left unchecked, warming could trigger systemic ecological simplification, threatening ecosystem services crucial for human well-being.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalScience·DateMay 17, 2018

Supercomputing the emergence of material behavior

Researchers at UCSD designed a two-dimensional protein crystal that can toggle between states of varying porosity and density. The material's structural dynamics were simulated using all-atom molecular dynamics, revealing new insights into the emergence of complex properties in biomolecules. Control over the opening and closing of pore...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 17, 2018
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.

Training for 21st century doctors: medicine, business, and leadership development

Leaders from Penn's Perelman School of Medicine call for new training approaches for 21st-century doctors, emphasizing business, finance, and leadership development. The authors suggest focusing on talent mining, targeted leadership development, and deliberate onboarding processes to create a new wave of physician leaders.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 16, 2018

Understanding veteran privacy rules could help improve counseling strategies

Researchers found that veterans tend to disclose wartime information on a strict need-to-know basis, and understanding these privacy rules can help therapists develop new techniques. Counseling strategies can be improved by emphasizing non-judgmental spaces and maintaining trust with clients.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPsychology of Language and Communication·DateMay 16, 2018

A 'dirty bomb' battles cancer metastasis

Scientists have discovered a new compound, metarrestin, that significantly reduces metastasis in human prostate, breast and pancreatic cancer in mice. The compound was found to blow up the complex marker PNC, which indicates cancer cells' ability to spread.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 16, 2018
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.

Satellite study finds major shifts in global freshwater

A new study using satellite observations reveals that Earth's wet areas are getting wetter while dry areas are getting drier. Human water management practices, human-caused climate change, and natural climate cycles contribute to this pattern.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateMay 16, 2018

Less can be more at the end of life

A recent study found that 12.1% of end-of-life admissions received non-beneficial treatment, costing the public $153.1 million annually. The new collaboration aims to reduce such treatments and improve end-of-life care.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateMay 16, 2018

New nuclear RNA retention activity discovered

Researchers found that ZFC3H1 helps retain exosome targets in the nucleus, preventing their export to the cytoplasm. This new mechanism involves polyadenylated RNAs accumulating in distinct nuclear foci.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 16, 2018
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.

Europium points to new suspect in continental mystery

Researchers from Rice University found that garnet steals the most iron from continents, contradicting 40-plus years of geophysical thinking. This discovery has weighty implications for understanding Earth's atmosphere and potentially Mars' rusty landscape.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 16, 2018

Climate change impacts fragile river ecosystems

Research in South Africa's Kruger National Park has shown that climate change is destroying sensitive and valuable riverine habitats due to extreme floods. The study found that cyclone-driven floods removed almost 1.25 million tonnes of sediment from the river bed, leading to patches of mature riparian forest being destroyed.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateMay 16, 2018