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Science News Archive May 2018 - Page 25


Page 25 of 44

Joint resolution: A link between Huntington's disease and rheumatoid arthritis

A study published in Nature Communications has found an unexpected overlap between the causes of rheumatoid arthritis and Huntington's disease. The researchers developed a novel algorithm to analyze epigenetic data, identifying new cell signaling pathways and potential treatment options for both conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 15, 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.

VA health care successfully reduces 'rush to treatment' rates for low-risk prostate cancer

A study by NYU Langone Health and the VA found that increasing numbers of veterans with non-aggressive prostate cancer are opting for watchful waiting or active surveillance. This shift towards more conservative treatment reflects a reversal in decades-long overtreatment, bringing care more in line with best practice guidelines.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateMay 15, 2018

Forest loss in one part of US can harm trees on the opposite coast

A University of Washington study reveals that forest die-offs in specific regions of the US can influence plant growth in other parts of the country. The largest impacts were seen from losing forest cover in California, leading to slightly warmer Eastern US summers and harming plant growth.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 15, 2018

How can we help children with brain injuries transition back to school?

Children with brain injuries face significant challenges transitioning to school, including educator lack of understanding and catching up on missed work. Leading researchers highlight the need for effective supports to improve academic achievement and reduce economic and social disadvantage.

SourceIOS Press·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·DateMay 15, 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.

Not quite a 'double bind' for minority women in science

A study of scientific articles found that minority women face a disadvantage, but it is less than the sum of being black or Hispanic and being a woman. The probability of being last author increased over time for all groups, with black scientists and women facing slower progress.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAEA Papers and Proceedings·DateMay 15, 2018

Study: Superbug MRSA infections less costly, but still deadly

A national analysis found treatment costs for drug-resistant MRSA infections are similar to those of susceptible MSSA infections. Researchers attribute the lower costs to factors such as price differences in drugs and possible misdiagnosis or coding errors.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMay 15, 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.

A green approach to making ammonia could help feed the world

Researchers at UCF develop new method for producing ammonia, a vital ingredient in fertilizers, using renewable energy and reducing high-energy barriers. The new approach, utilizing palladium hydride catalysts, may inspire other reactions for renewable energy conversion.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 15, 2018

Think chimpanzee beds are dirtier than human ones? Think again

A recent study found that chimpanzee beds have a greater diversity of microbes than human beds, but with fewer types of bacterial contamination. The research suggests that human attempts to create clean environments may make our surroundings less ideal.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMay 15, 2018

Drug companies selling more 'lifestyle,' less 'symptom'

A study by the University of South Florida found that prescription drug commercials increasingly emphasize lifestyle changes over medical information, leading to a rise in off-label use and misinformation. The researchers call for regulatory action to ensure pharmaceutical ads prioritize health awareness.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 15, 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.

Mathematical methods for diagnosing breast cancer

A team of researchers from Kaunas University of Technology has developed a mathematical method for classifying breast tissue images using deep learning, achieving an accuracy rate of 85%. The goal is to partially automate the diagnosis process and improve accuracy.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·DateMay 15, 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.

Peatland contributions to UK water security

Scientists from the University of Leeds developed a global index identifying peatland-fed water as a significant source of drinking water in the UK and Republic of Ireland. The study estimates that peatlands support the equivalent of 71.4 million people globally, with most of these areas being in the British Isles.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMay 15, 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.

Biologists find mechanisms that control where transcription factors bind

Researchers have discovered a precise DNA sequence code that determines how transcription factors bind to specific regions in the genome. This finding sheds light on cell differentiation during embryonic development, offering potential insights into diseases caused by disrupted transcription factor function.

SourceNew York University·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 15, 2018

Enzyme's movement may be key to new cancer drugs

A University of Arizona-led team has discovered the full pathway for activating a protein kinase enzyme, revealing its dynamic movement is crucial for activation. This finding may lead to the development of new anti-cancer drugs that target kinases.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2018

Key enzyme for production of second-generation ethanol discovered in Brazilian Amazon

Researchers from Brazil's National Energy & Materials Research Center (CNPEM) have discovered a key enzyme that can boost the efficiency of sugarcane bagasse saccharification, a crucial step in producing second-generation ethanol. The enzyme, produced by microorganisms living in Lake Poraquê in the Amazon, shows high glucose tolerance ...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Proteins and Proteomics·DateMay 15, 2018

An energy dense diet changes the brain and increases urge to eat

A study by Stephanie Borgland found that rats eating a 'cafeteria-diet' of high-fat and high-sugar foods developed brain changes in the orbitofrontal cortex, leading to increased motivation to eat despite satiety. Obesity was also observed, highlighting the complex mechanisms behind food attraction.

SourceCanadian Association for Neuroscience·DateMay 15, 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.

Monitoring lava lake levels in Congo volcano

Researchers at Nyiragongo volcano use a combination of seismic, infrasound, and satellite data to track the lava lake level, providing insights into magmatic system activity. The study helps improve eruption forecasting by understanding the relationship between pressure changes in the magmatic system and lava lake fluctuations.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateMay 15, 2018

Worm-eating mice reveal how evolution works on islands

A team of scientists found four separate species of mice evolved from one common ancestor on Mindoro Island, which is the smallest known island to support this type of evolution. The discovery provides valuable insights into how mammals can diversify in small areas and has implications for conservation planning.

SourceField Museum·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateMay 15, 2018

National trial: EEG brain tests help patients overcome depression

A national trial has found that measuring electrical activity in the brain can predict a patient's response to an antidepressant, improving treatment accuracy. Researchers believe combining EEGs with blood and brain tests will lead to more effective treatments for depressed patients.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateMay 15, 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.

Astonishing effect enables better palladium catalysts

Researchers at TU Vienna found that support materials can significantly impact chemical reactions on large palladium grains. The discovery could lead to the development of more effective automotive catalytic converters by reinforcing the weak point of the grain, where carbon monoxide poisoning starts.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 15, 2018

New hope for patients with depression and anxiety

Scientists at FAU have found a strong connection between autoimmune thyroiditis and depression/anxiety disorders. Patients with AIT are 3.5 times more likely to suffer from depression, or 2.3 times more likely to suffer from anxiety. Early diagnosis and treatment can help alleviate symptoms.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 15, 2018

The first wireless flying robotic insect takes off

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a wireless flying robotic insect called RoboFly that can take independent flaps. The insect uses a laser beam to power its wings and is controlled by a microcontroller that mimics the fluttering of a real insect's wings.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateMay 15, 2018

Antarctic seals can help predict ice sheet melt

Researchers at the University of East Anglia used satellite-tagged seals to collect data on water temperature and salinity in West Antarctica. The study found that warm, salty deep water is more common during winter months, suggesting increased ice sheet melting.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 15, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Changes in e-cigarette use among US adults

A national survey found an increase in US adults who have ever used e-cigarettes, with a decrease in reported current use between 2014 and 2016. Electronic cigarettes were marketed for smoking cessation and as an alternative to conventional cigarettes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 15, 2018

Malaria detectable in olfactory cocktail

Researchers at ETH Zurich have identified volatile biomarkers that can detect malaria in people with no external symptoms. The study found that changes in human odours are characteristic of both acute and asymptomatic malaria infections, allowing for nearly 100% detection rate even at low pathogen quantities.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2018

Making carbon nanotubes as usable as common plastics

Using cresol, researchers can disperse carbon nanotubes at unprecedentedly high concentrations without additives or harsh chemical reactions. As the concentration increases, the material transitions into a kneadable dough that can be molded and shaped like playdough.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 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.

Explanation for puzzling quantum oscillations has been found

Researchers introduce 'quantum many-body scar' concept to explain unexpected periodic oscillations in interacting atoms. The phenomenon alters our understanding of possible dynamics in many-body quantum systems, providing a new perspective on equilibrium state.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 15, 2018

Researchers call for transgender-inclusive healthcare providers

A US survey found that four in ten transgender respondents suffered from depression, while one in ten tried to commit suicide. The study highlights the need for transgender-inclusive healthcare providers to address these challenges and improve mental and physical health outcomes.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 15, 2018

Omega-3, omega-6 in diet alters gene expression in obesity

A new study found that essential fats in the diet regulate protein secretion in muscles by changing gene expression. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids were shown to improve glucose levels and insulin tolerance in obese rats after 12 weeks on a supplemented diet.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalPhysiological Genomics·DateMay 15, 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.

OHSU one of three centers selected to study cells at atomic level

The new Pacific Northwest Center for Cryo-EM will provide state-of-the-art technology and training to researchers nationwide. The facility will enable scientists to see molecules in breathtaking detail, with resolution near atomic levels, revolutionizing the understanding of disease at the molecular level.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateMay 15, 2018

Nature publishes the results of the global experiment The Big Bell test

The Big Bell Test project, which involved over 100,000 participants worldwide, confirmed the predictions of quantum physics by overcoming Bell's limit. This achievement demonstrated the power of global networks in cutting-edge scientific research and paved the way for secure communications that are impossible to intercept.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalNature·DateMay 15, 2018

Study provides further insight into how Ebola affects the eye

A new study identifies specific characteristics of Ebola retinal lesions, providing clues on how the virus travels to the retina and causes damage. Researchers found unique retinal scars in 15% of Ebola survivors with reported eye symptoms after recovery.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMay 15, 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.

Entangled atoms shine in unison

Scientists at the University of Innsbruck have successfully demonstrated fully-controlled free-space quantum interference of single photons emitted by a pair of effectively-separated entangled atoms. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for building quantum computers and measuring physical properties with unprecedented precision.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 15, 2018

New findings explain how melatonin promotes sleep

Researchers from the University of Missouri School of Medicine have discovered how melatonin suppresses neurons in the brain that keep you awake and alert. This finding could lead to new therapies for insomnia by targeting the MT1 receptor.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Pineal Research·DateMay 15, 2018

Gonorrhea surveillance study maps antibiotic resistance across Europe

A genomic approach has mapped antibiotic resistance in gonorrhoea throughout Europe, enabling accurate determination of resistance and identification of incorrect laboratory test results. The study established an open genomic database, supporting real-time surveillance of gonorrhoea worldwide.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMay 15, 2018

Researchers seek to create self-assessing robots

Researchers aim to create self-assessing robots that can predict, monitor, and judge their own performance. The goal is to enable robots to work more efficiently with human partners by identifying areas of improvement.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateMay 15, 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.

Antibodies against one hemorrhagic fever virus found to disarm a related virus

Scientists have identified a common site on both viruses that renders them defenseless to the same antibodies, paving the way for broad-spectrum therapies. The findings provide molecular proof of an anecdotal observation and could lead to the development of a universal vaccine against multiple hemorrhagic fever viruses.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 14, 2018

Influence of hippopotamus on watersheds

Researchers found that high hippopotamus densities increased eutrophication and biodiversity loss in river pools during the dry season. However, no changes were observed in water chemistry or biodiversity during the wet season, highlighting human influence on watershed ecology.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2018

Handedness and birth weight

A study found a significant link between low birth weight and left-handedness in two large sets of Japanese and Dutch newborn children. Left-handers averaged lower birth weights, with differences observed even within families.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2018

Large gender imbalance in funding given for cancer research

A study published in BMJ Open reveals a large gender imbalance in cancer research funding, with male researchers receiving far greater funding than their female equivalents. The analysis of public and philanthropic funding data showed that men received 1.3 times more grants and £38% higher average grant values than women.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateMay 14, 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.

Scientists discover how a pinch of salt can improve battery performance

Researchers created 3D hierarchically organised carbon structures using a supermolecular sponge and salt, enabling rapid charging and high capacities in Lithium-ion batteries. These nano-diatoms could also be used as electrocatalysts for hydrogen production.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 14, 2018