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Science News Archive May 2018 - Page 28


Page 28 of 44

Cross-species transmissibility of coronavirus

Researchers discovered that porcine deltacoronavirus can infect human cells by binding to aminopeptidase N, which is conserved across animal species; this suggests a possible mechanism of transmission from pigs to other animals and potentially humans.

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

'Universal antibodies' disarm various pathogens

Researchers have discovered universal antibodies that can recognize and neutralize a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, yeasts, and viruses. These breakthrough findings hold promise for developing new treatments for life-threatening infections, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalNature Immunology·DateMay 14, 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.

Aiming low: Landmark study optimizes steroid use in pregnancy

A recent study published in The American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology has found that the duration, not peak exposure, is key to maturing preterm lungs. This breakthrough could lead to safer and more effective antenatal steroid treatment, benefiting millions of families worldwide.

SourceTohoku University·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 14, 2018

Better equipped in the fight against lung cancer

Researchers at FAU have discovered a special mechanism that regulates tumour growth in lung cancer, opening up new possibilities in the treatment of lung cancer patients. The discovery reveals that lung tumours can reprogram the immune response, leading to the suppression of anti-tumour cells and promoting tumour growth.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalOncoImmunology·DateMay 14, 2018

Biologists ID temporal logic of regulatory genes affecting nitrogen use efficiency in plan

A team of biologists and computer scientists have developed a time-based machine-learning approach to understand the temporal logic of nitrogen signaling in plants. This discovery has significant implications for global food production and sustainable agriculture by potentially offering new ways to monitor and enhance crop growth using...

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 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 uncover up to 100 potential drug targets for cancer

Researchers have identified over 100 potential new targets for cancer treatment using state-of-the-art mass spectrometry technology, which could lead to the development of personalized medicine and targeted therapies.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 14, 2018

Lead pollution in Greenland ice tracks historical events

Researchers analyzed precisely dated measurements of lead pollution in Greenland ice cores to uncover links between estimated lead emissions and historical events. The study found that lead pollution increased during periods of prosperity, such as the Phoenician expansion, and peaked under the Roman Empire.

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

New approach to cancer research aims to accelerate studies and reduce cost

The new model allows researchers to conduct multiple clinical trials across several cancer types, lessen expenses, and increase the likelihood of finding medical solutions. This approach has already led to a new standard of care for chronic myeloid leukemia treatment and expanded program opportunities.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer·DateMay 14, 2018

Parents say intense gun violence in PG-13 movies appropriate for teens 15 and older

A study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that parents think PG-13 movies with unjustified gun violence are more suitable for 16-year-olds than those with justified violence. Parents also reported becoming desensitized to violence when repeatedly exposed to it, but this was more pronounced in scenes without justification.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 14, 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.

Treatment for MRSA no longer more costly than for susceptible Staph aureus infections

Researchers analyzed national hospitalization data from 2010-2014 and found that MRSA-related hospitalization costs were approximately the same as or less expensive than hospitalizations with MSSA infections. However, patients with MRSA infections had a greater likelihood of mortality than those with MSSA.

SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMay 14, 2018

The evolution of language? There's an app for that

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History launched the Color Game, an app designed to study language evolution by having players communicate specific colors using a series of black and white symbols. The game allows large numbers of participants to interact freely and build shared visual languages.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalJournal of Language Evolution·DateMay 14, 2018

High-sensitivity microsensors on the horizon

Researchers at ASRC developed a new technique using PTX symmetry to design ultra-sensitive radio-frequency sensors. The method allows for high-quality readings in a miniaturized footprint, improving data gathering from hard-to-monitor environments.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalNature Electronics·DateMay 14, 2018

Job strain linked to onset of common mental illness

New research finds high job strain associated with increased risk of developing depression and anxiety in middle-aged workers. Workplaces can adopt measures to reduce job strain, including increasing worker control, to prevent up to 14% of common mental illness cases.

SourceBlack Dog Institute·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateMay 14, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Volatile skin emissions as potential malaria biomarkers

Distinct profiles of volatile skin emissions were found in malaria-infected individuals compared to uninfected ones. Machine learning models successfully identified asymptomatic infections based on skin volatile profiles, even at low parasite loads undetectable by microscopy.

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

Deeper understanding of quantum chaos may be the key to quantum computers

A new theory explains the behavior of individual atoms in a recent experiment, revealing the existence of 'quantum many-body scars' that could help create robust quantum dynamics. This phenomenon is crucial for keeping atoms in a quantum state, which is necessary for processing and storing information in quantum computers.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 14, 2018

High levels of workplace exercise linked to early death

A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that men with highly physical jobs have an 18% higher risk of early death compared to those with inactive work. The analysis controlled for leisure time physical activity and found no such association among women.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMay 14, 2018

American tropics, Amazon origins

A recent study suggests that plants and animals in Latin America originated from the Amazon, highlighting a dynamic process of colonization and speciation. The research found that natural dispersal events played a crucial role in shaping the American tropics' exceptional biodiversity.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 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.

Study reveals how the brain decides to make an effort

A new study published in PNAS found that the brain's ventromedial prefrontal cortex plays a key role in forming expectations underlying effort-based choices. The study used fMRI to model neural computations for effort and reward, revealing a clear role for three brain regions: the vmPFC, dACC, and aI.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2018

Research examines wing shapes to reduce vortex and wake

New research at the University of Illinois reveals that wing geometrics can be designed to reduce or eliminate wingtip vortices almost entirely. The study simulated flow about three classic wing configurations, finding that Jones and Prandtl wing designs had weaker wakes. The findings hold implications for aircraft design, flight safet...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of Aircraft·DateMay 14, 2018

Astronomical cycles and evolutionary rates on Earth

Graptoloids' species evolution and extinction rates exhibit multimillion-year rhythms linked to periodic astronomical oscillations. Astronomical processes likely shaped the evolution of early complex life on Earth.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 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 pig virus found to be a potential threat to humans

A new pig virus, porcine deltacoronavirus, has been found to be transmitted to humans and other species through cellular receptors. Researchers have confirmed the virus's ability to bind to cells in pigs and other animals, raising concerns about its potential to cause disease.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2018

UTIA researcher named Fulbright scholar

Seong-Hoon Cho, a UTIA researcher, will spend six months in South Korea designing the country's framework for forest carbon sequestration payments. The project aims to optimize risk/reward trade-offs and encourage forest carbon sequestration through innovative economics and finance modeling.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateMay 14, 2018

Stress regulates self-harm in rats

Researchers manipulated brain activity and stress hormone levels to control self-inflicted bite wounds in rats, identifying key brain regions involved in self-injurious behavior. The study provides new insights into the regulation of compulsive self-biting and its relationship with stress and reward processing.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateMay 14, 2018

Multiple resistance genes found in commercially farmed chickens and in hospital

A study has isolated colistin-resistant E. coli from commercial poultry farms in China and hospital patients, revealing the coexistence of mcr-1 and mcr-3 resistance genes on a single plasmid. This finding poses a significant threat to public health due to the spread of antibiotic resistance genes.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateMay 14, 2018

Study shows yogurt may dampen chronic inflammation linked to multiple diseases

A recent study found that yogurt consumption can improve the integrity of the intestinal lining and reduce pro-inflammatory molecules, thereby reducing chronic inflammation. The study enrolled 120 premenopausal women who consumed either low-fat yogurt or non-dairy pudding for nine weeks, showing significant improvements in certain key ...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateMay 14, 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.

Study suggests relationship between socioeconomic status and adult brain

A new study from the University of Texas at Dallas found a relationship between socioeconomic status and brain function in adults, with higher SES associated with more organized brain networks and thicker cortex. This suggests that socioeconomic factors may impact brain health even in middle age.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2018

Burnout and scope of practice in new family physicians

Early career family physicians with broader scopes of practice report lower burnout rates, particularly in obstetrics and inpatient medicine. This association may inform policy levers and incentives for improving healthcare systems and physician wellness.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 14, 2018

European cities soon to be ready for autonomous vehicles

The AVENUE project, led by the University of Geneva, aims to develop and test autonomous vehicle services in European cities. The project will focus on optimizing itineraries, in- and out-of-vehicle services, and addressing security concerns. Geneva is one of the pilot sites for the large-scale tests.

SourceUniversité de Genève·DateMay 14, 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.

Research leads to medication reduction in aged care facilities

A new study published in the Medical Journal of Australia found that a multi-strategic intervention called RedUSe significantly reduced psychotropic medication use in Australian residential aged care facilities. The intervention, which included education and drug audits, resulted in a 40% reduction in antipsychotic or benzodiazepine me...

SourceUniversity of Tasmania·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·DateMay 13, 2018

A clearer future for underwater exploration

A new underwater wireless optical communication system has been developed, allowing for high-quality live video transmission and real-time feedback. The system uses a bidirectional design to adapt to changing underwater environments, ensuring optimized power and transmission rates.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalIEEE Photonics Journal·DateMay 13, 2018

Could a multiverse be hospitable to life?

New research suggests that life could be common throughout the multiverse due to dark energy's impact on star and planet formation. The findings contradict the long-held notion that a specific amount of dark energy is necessary for life to emerge, raising questions about the multiverse theory's ability to explain cosmic origins.

SourceDurham University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 13, 2018

Brain size mediates the association between height and cognitive ability

Researchers found that cortical surface area, a measure of brain size, is associated with greater cognitive ability in taller individuals. However, the study also suggests that environmental factors, such as childhood malnutrition, may play a larger role in shaping cognitive development.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalBrain Structure and Function·DateMay 13, 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.

Mapping movements of ocean creatures great and small

Researchers compiled a massive dataset of movement data for diverse marine megafauna, including whales, turtles, sharks, and birds. The study found that species-specific movement patterns are influenced by habitat, with open-ocean animals moving in straighter lines and coastal animals exhibiting more erratic behavior.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2018

Genome surgery for eye disease moves closer to reality

Researchers have developed a CRISPR-based treatment that can restore retinal function in mice afflicted with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease. The 'ablate-and-replace' strategy allows for the precise removal and replacement of the faulty gene, enabling faster and less expensive treatment options for dominant disorders.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateMay 12, 2018

Trial shows chemotherapy is helping kids live with pulmonary vein stenosis

A clinical trial conducted by Boston Children's Hospital has shown that adding chemotherapy to a treatment regimen including catheterization and surgery can deter abnormal cellular growth in children with pulmonary vein stenosis. The approach led to the stabilization of PVS progression and prevention of further lung damage in 31% of pa...

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMay 11, 2018

Mimicking a sweet solution to mop up pollution

Scientists at KAUST have created a 3D porous material with repeating patterns of interconnected pores using a simple method. The film, made from polystyrene-b-poly(tertbutyl acrylate), shows promise for applications such as virus filtration and biological scaffolds.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 11, 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.

Opening a new door to immunity

Researchers uncover clue to disease process development by identifying novel way to control innate immune response, which may translate to treatments for conditions such as atherosclerosis, autoimmunity, and heart failure. Animal studies support finding, showing mice with mutated sNASP proteins are more susceptible to septic infection.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 11, 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.

Jurassic fossil tail tells of missing link in crocodile family tree

A newly discovered 180-million-year-old Jurassic fossil has identified a missing link between two distinct families of prehistoric crocodiles. The Magyarosuchus fitosi specimen, featuring a large portion of its backbone, suggests that it is an intermediate form between the armoured and unarmoured groups.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPeerJ·DateMay 11, 2018

Is colonialism creating inappropriate regulation of traditional medicine practitioners?

Two commentaries in JACM question whether colonial models devalue traditional and complementary practices. Researchers Heather Boon and Nadine Ijaz argue that biomedical dominance subordinates indigenous knowledge systems, while Editor-in-Chief John Weeks emphasizes the need for re-examining harmful limits of biomedicine's approach.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateMay 11, 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.

Do we subconsciously judge face-likeness?

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology have discovered that face-likeness is judged by early visual processing, occurring within 100ms of viewing an object. This finding suggests that face-likeness recognition is a fundamental cognitive process, separate from traditional notions of pareidolia.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateMay 11, 2018

Alignment of mother and offspring body clock could prevent diseases such as heart disease and obesity

A new study published in The Journal of Physiology found that proper maternal care can significantly reduce abnormalities in the offspring's body clock, leading to a lower likelihood of developing heart disease. This suggests that early life experiences may play a crucial role in shaping an individual's health later in adulthood.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateMay 11, 2018

Where are HIV diagnoses made?

A study found that late HIV diagnoses remain high, prompting the need for expanded testing. HIV diagnoses are increasingly being made outside of traditional sexual health clinics.

SourceWiley·JournalHIV Medicine·DateMay 11, 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.

Taurine deficiency in sperm causes male infertility, study finds

A Japan-US research collaboration found that taurine absorption by sperm cells helps regulate osmotic stress during fertilization. The study, published in FEBS Journal, revealed that taurine deficiency leads to increased male infertility rates and altered sperm shape.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalFEBS Journal·DateMay 11, 2018

Clouds like a semi-transparent parasol

Dr. Anna Possner will join the Goethe University in Frankfurt to investigate the impact of low-level clouds on Earth's surface temperature. Her research focuses on semi-transparent parasols that reflect sunlight but have a minimal effect on heat emission, and she aims to improve understanding of their influence.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·DateMay 11, 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.