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Science News Archive May 2018 - Page 22


Page 22 of 44

How humans repress prejudices

Research by Dr Beate Krickel suggests that people can hold unconscious biases despite professing tolerant views. These biases can be detected using psychological tests, but may be masked by repression of negative emotions.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPhilosophical Psychology·DateMay 16, 2018

The mystery of lime-green lizard blood

Researchers have discovered four separate lineages of green-blooded lizards, each with unique evolutionary history. The study suggests that high levels of biliverdin in these lizards may have adaptive value, potentially leading to new approaches to treating human diseases such as malaria.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 16, 2018

Blocking two enzymes could make cancer cells mortal

Scientists have discovered two antioxidant enzymes that work together to prevent telomeric DNA oxidation, leading to telomere shortening and eventual cell death. Disrupting these enzymes in cancer cells has shown promising results in preventing the enzyme telomerase from extending telomeres.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 16, 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.

New technique reveals details of forest fire recovery

A new technique using high-resolution satellite imagery and aerial measurements provides a more accurate picture of forest recovery from wildfires. By distinguishing between canopy and understory growth, scientists can better understand forest dynamics and carbon sequestration.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateMay 16, 2018

Intimacy in later life does not slow memory loss

A recent study published in Springer's Archives of Sexual Behavior suggests that older adults who engage in regular intimate activities and emotional closeness do not experience a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those who are less active. However, this relationship is only observed on short-term memory tests, not over time.

SourceSpringer·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateMay 16, 2018

For older adults, a better diet may prevent brain shrinkage

A study published in Neurology found that people with a better diet, rich in vegetables, fruit, nuts, and fish, had larger brains. The study included over 4,200 participants and found that those who consumed a higher-quality diet had an average of two milliliters more total brain volume.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMay 16, 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.

DFG to fund 15 new Research Training Groups

The DFG is establishing 15 new Research Training Groups to support early career researchers. The groups cover a broad spectrum of topics and research questions. They will receive approximately €70 million in funding for four and a half years, with three international groups partnering with China and the USA.

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateMay 16, 2018

Stroke prevention drug combo shows promise, study says

A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that combining clopidogrel and aspirin reduces the risk of major stroke within 90 days after a minor stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) by 25%. However, this combination also increases the risk of bleeding complications.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 16, 2018

Our brains are obsessed with being social

A Dartmouth-led study found that the brain consolidates new social information during rest, demonstrating increased connectivity between medial prefrontal cortex and tempoparietal junction regions. The findings suggest that engaging these regions during rest may help learn about one's social environment.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateMay 16, 2018

Most deprived are nearly twice as likely to develop dementia

Research from University College London reveals that older adults with fewer financial resources are more likely to develop dementia. The study analyzed data from over 6000 adults and found a significant link between socioeconomic factors and dementia incidence.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 16, 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.

Researchers control the properties of graphene transistors using pressure

A Columbia University-led team developed a technique to manipulate graphene's electrical conductivity with compression, bringing it closer to being a viable semiconductor. By applying pressure, researchers increased the band gap in BN-graphene structures, effectively blocking electricity flow and creating a stronger switch.

SourceColumbia University·JournalNature·DateMay 16, 2018

An electronic rescue dog

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a device that combines multiple gas sensors to detect entrapped people. The device, the size of a small computer chip, can identify specific chemical compounds emitted by humans and distinguish them from other sources.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMay 16, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pay-backs to Africa from the Paris Agreement's temperature targets

A recent study found that limiting global warming to 1.5°C could reduce extreme climate events in Africa, such as droughts and heatwaves, by up to 25% and 20%, respectively. This reduction is projected despite a slight increase in precipitation extremes.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 16, 2018

Comprehensive care physician model improves care, lowers hospitalization

A clinical trial at the University of Chicago Medical Center found that a comprehensive care physician model reduced hospitalization rates by 15-22% and improved patient satisfaction. The model, which involves a single doctor providing care in both clinic and hospital settings, was preferred by patients and economically beneficial.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateMay 16, 2018

Plug-and-play diagnostic devices

The MIT researchers developed modular blocks that can be assembled to produce diagnostic devices for diseases such as cancer, Zika virus, and tuberculosis. These 'plug-and-play' devices are inexpensive, easy to use, and can perform multiple biochemical functions, potentially improving access to medical technology in developing countries.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateMay 16, 2018

Climate change to shift many fish species north, disrupting fisheries

A Rutgers University-led study reports that hundreds of ocean fish and invertebrate species will move northward due to climate change, disrupting fisheries in the US and Canada. The study projects that some species will shift as much as 900 miles north, leading to longer trips and higher fuel costs for commercial fishermen.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 16, 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.

Investigation seeks to create self-assembling materials

Researchers explore creating self-assembling microscopic particles to manufacture materials in space with tailored nanostructures. The ability to create self-assembling and potentially self-repairing materials could be key to surviving deep space destinations.

SourceNASA/Johnson Space Center·DateMay 16, 2018

ALMA finds most-distant oxygen in the universe

Astronomers discover faint signal of oxygen in galaxy MACS1149-JD1, which is 13.28 billion light-years away and contains chemical maturity that suggests stars were forming as early as 250 million years after the Big Bang. This detection pushes back our understanding of cosmic dawn and the earliest phases of star formation.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalNature·DateMay 16, 2018

PNNL successfully vitrifies three gallons of radioactive tank waste

Researchers at PNNL have successfully vitrified three gallons of low-activity Hanford tank waste, immobilizing radioactive and chemical materials within a durable glass waste form. The laboratory-scale demonstration is an important step toward treating millions of gallons of hazardous waste generated during past plutonium production.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateMay 16, 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.

Fellowships offer reporters valuable insight as America ages

The program aims to educate journalists about aging issues and disseminate information on scientific findings, policy debates, and innovations. The 2018 cohort will participate in the GSA Annual Scientific Meeting and deliver stories from the conference.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateMay 16, 2018

Exploration of diverse bacteria signals big advance for gene function prediction

A new workflow has been developed to accelerate gene function assignments in bacteria, enabling large-scale assays of gene importance across many conditions. The study identified thousands of genes with previously unknown functions and provided an anchor for other researchers to make informed inference about protein function.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMay 16, 2018

A laser from a space ant

Astronomers have detected a unique laser emission from the heart of the Ant Nebula, indicating the presence of a double star system. The phenomenon was discovered using European Space Agency's Herschel space observatory and is connected to the death of a star.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 16, 2018

Re-assessing organ availability

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital are re-assessing organ availability by considering previously deemed 'unfit' organs. The study aims to expand the donor pool and improve transplant outcomes, with the potential to save more lives.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 16, 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.

Space cloud discovery

Case Western Reserve University astronomers detected a massive cloud of ionized hydrogen gas spewed from a nearby galaxy and consumed by its central black hole. The discovery provides an unprecedented opportunity to study the behavior of a black hole and associated galaxy as it consumes and 'recycles' hydrogen gas.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 16, 2018

Tailor-made synthesis of cyclic chemicals by means of enzymes

Bielefeld chemists create a biocatalytic method to selectively reduce sulfur-containing heterocycles, yielding highly enantioselective synthesis of target compounds. The discovery has potential applications in developing new active substances and sustainable pharmaceutical production.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 16, 2018

Cannabidiol significantly reduces seizures in patients with severe form of epilepsy

A new study found that cannabidiol significantly reduces seizures in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy. The trial showed a 41.9% reduction in drop seizures for the 20 mg/kg/d CBD regimen, highlighting the potential effectiveness of Epidiolex as an treatment option.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 16, 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.

Cell type switch helps colon cancer evade treatment, study suggests

Researchers discovered colon cancers are composed of two different cell types that can replace each other when one is killed. Targeting both cell populations simultaneously showed strong repressive effects on tumor cell proliferation and increased cell death, resulting in slower tumor growth and prolonged survival times.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 16, 2018

A quantum entanglement between two physically separated ultra-cold atomic clouds

Researchers at the University of the Basque Country and University of Hannover achieved quantum entanglement between two spatially separated Bose-Einstein condensates. This breakthrough could lead to significant improvements in fields like quantum computing, simulation, and metrology by creating large ensembles of entangled particles.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalScience·DateMay 16, 2018

Remote camera network tracks Antarctic species at low cost

A new camera system is tracking Antarctic penguin breeding and population dynamics, providing a low-cost window into the health of the ecosystem. The network includes 51 cameras across Antarctica's Peninsula and Islands, monitoring three species of penguins with high accuracy.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateMay 16, 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.

International study suggests alternative treatment for mild asthma

Researchers have found a patient-centric treatment that works for people with mild asthma, using an as-needed combined-drug inhaler. The study, led by Paul O'Byrne, showed the inhaler was superior to conventional treatment strategies in reducing asthma attacks and improving symptom control.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 16, 2018

Processes in the atomic microcosmos are revealed

Researchers at FAU successfully generated controlled electron pulses in the attosecond range using optical travelling waves formed by laser pulses. This breakthrough enables ultrafast movements to be tracked, such as vibrations in atomic lattices and molecular bonds in chemical reactions.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 16, 2018

How large can a tsunami be in the Caribbean?

Seismologists reexamine the risk of megathrust earthquakes in the Caribbean, considering tsunami scenarios for a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and its potential impact on emergency management planning.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateMay 16, 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.

New regimens improve survival for children and young adults with T-cell cancers

Researchers have developed new treatment regimens that significantly boost survival rates for children and young adults with rare forms of leukemia and lymphoma, such as T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) or T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LL). The trial showed that 90% of patients lived at least four years after starting tre...

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·DateMay 16, 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.

Stars formed only 250 million years after the Big Bang

A team of international astronomers has detected oxygen in a galaxy 13.28 billion light-years away, revealing that stars formed at an unexpectedly early stage in the universe's history. The discovery provides insight into the formation of galaxies and sheds light on the 'cosmic dawn' era.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateMay 16, 2018

Climate change should help Midwest corn production through 2050

Researchers found that projected changes in temperature and humidity will not lead to greater water use in corn, allowing crop yields to thrive. This optimism is based on calculations of energy balance and evapotranspiration, which show a slight decrease in evaporation loss due to warmer temperatures.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAgricultural & Environmental Letters·DateMay 16, 2018

Elevated homocysteine identified as metabolic risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers found that high homocysteine levels in mice lead to increased tau tangles, nerve cell death, and impaired learning and memory. The study suggests a potential link between hyperhomocysteinemia and neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting the need for further investigation into the role of 5-lipoxygenase in disease progression.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMay 16, 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.

Recent trends of marriage in Iran

Declining formal marriages in Iran may be attributed to economic factors and changing attitudes towards marriage, according to recent studies. Researchers have linked the trend to a lack of well-paid jobs and high housing costs, suggesting complementary explanations for the shift.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Family Studies Journal·DateMay 16, 2018

Hydrogen peroxide assists sexual reproduction in spruce

Plant physiologists from Lomonosov Moscow State University discovered that hydrogen peroxide is essential for conifer pollen germination. The protein NADPH-oxidase regulates the process, which involves a gradient of hydrogen peroxide in the pollen tube to support growth and fertilization.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalPlant Reproduction·DateMay 16, 2018

Previous findings on tropical forest restoration were biased

Recent studies on tropical forest restoration have been found to be biased, with natural regeneration being compared to active tree planting in different site conditions. This finding could change the approach to restoration, suggesting that both methods can be complementary and suitable for specific sites.

SourceMissouri Botanical Garden·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 16, 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.

New device could increase battery life of electronics by a hundred-fold

Researchers developed a new magnetic material that can address both heat and short battery life issues in electronic devices. The device exhibits unidirectional current and significantly less dissipative power, paving the way for increased efficiency and longer battery life.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·DateMay 16, 2018