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Science News Archive May 2018 - Page 29


Page 29 of 44

During disasters, active Twitter users likely to spread falsehoods

A study by University at Buffalo researchers found that active Twitter users are prone to spreading falsehoods during public emergencies, such as hurricanes and bombings. The study revealed that only a small percentage of users corrected or clarified false information.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNatural Hazards·DateMay 11, 2018

Microscale IR spectroscopy enabled by phase change materials and metasurfaces

Researchers have developed miniaturized infrared filters using phase change materials and metasurfaces, enabling precise measurement of mid-infrared frequencies. These tiny filters can be integrated into smartphones, allowing for real-time monitoring of air quality, food freshness, and health conditions.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateMay 11, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Multi-drug resistant infections rising in children

The study found a significant increase in hospital-acquired infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii among US children over a 13-year period. Children with chronic conditions are at higher risk of infection due to compromised immune systems.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society·DateMay 11, 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.

Dengue 'hot spots' provide map to chikungunya and Zika outbreaks

Scientists have developed a statistical framework to predict chikungunya and Zika outbreaks based on dengue fever 'hot spots'. The analysis used eight years of data from Merida, Mexico, and showed that people living in these hot spots had twice the rate of infection as those outside.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMay 11, 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.

Healthy diet may lower risk of hearing loss in women

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that eating a healthy diet is associated with a lower risk of acquired hearing loss in women. Those who followed the Alternate Mediterranean diet or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension had a 30% lower risk of moderate or worse hearing loss.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateMay 11, 2018

Study upends conventional view of opioid mechanism of action

Researchers funded by NIH find that opioids produce effects by binding to receptors inside neurons, not just on surface, providing new insights into pain medication development. The discovery may help guide design of safer pain relievers without addiction risks.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalNeuron·DateMay 11, 2018

Isotopic evidence for enhanced fossil fuel sources of aerosol ammonium in the urban atmosphere

A new chemical method is used to determine nitrogen stable isotope composition at natural abundance for ammonium, revealing source dependence of isotopic abundance in urban Beijing. Fossil fuel emissions are found to be a significant source of aerosol ammonium, accounting for 37-52% of initial ammonia concentrations.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateMay 11, 2018

Genetic analysis for certain childhood brain tumors soon a standard-of-care?

Researchers have developed criteria for routine genetic screening of patients with medulloblastoma, a rare and malignant tumor predominantly affecting children. This analysis of 1022 patients identified six genes frequently affected by genetic alterations, increasing cancer risk in up to 20% of the patient population.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·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.

Projecting climate change along the Millennium Silk Road in a warmer world

Scientists project significant climate changes in Western China and central Asia along the Millennium Silk Road by 2020 and 2030 under different warming scenarios. A half-degree reduction in global warming can avoid severe impacts on precipitation and extreme heat events.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMay 11, 2018

The photoexcited graphene puzzle solved

Researchers from ICFO and European partners cracked the code on graphene's behavior after absorbing light, revealing why conductivity increases or decreases. This breakthrough enables more efficient design and development of graphene-based light detection technology.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 11, 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.

Beyond killing tuberculosis

Researchers at McGill University Health Centre discovered that having excessive T cells can cause harm and imbalance disease tolerance, leading to tissue damage. The study found that a protein called cyclophilin D acts as a key checkpoint for T cell activation, controlling the body's ability to tolerate Mtb infection.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalScience Immunology·DateMay 11, 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.

How signals get inside cancer cells and spur aggressive growth

A new study reveals how a cancer gene influences cell signaling, leading to aggressive cancer growth. The researchers found that the 'swallowing' of certain molecules affects tumor suppressor genes and proliferation.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateMay 11, 2018

Tiny spiders, big color

A team of Harvard scientists discovered that tiny Phoroncidia rubroargentea spiders use a combination of structural colors, pigment, and fluorescent material to produce their distinctive red and silver hues. The colors are stabilized by a tough cuticle layer, with the silver color relying on a reflective material similar to fish scales.

SourceHarvard University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateMay 11, 2018

Key protein in sperm tail assembly identified

The CENTROBIN protein plays a positive role in flagellum development, while exerting negative effects on primary cilia formation. Its discovery reveals the multifunctional nature of this protein in distinct cell types.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMay 11, 2018

Osteoporosis drug may benefit heart health

A study published in Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that alendronate reduced the risk of one-year cardiovascular death by 67% and heart attack by 45%. The medication also showed protective effects against stroke, with a 17% reduced risk over 10 years.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateMay 11, 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.

Big fish produce disproportionately more and bigger eggs

A new report in Science shows that larger females invest disproportionately more in the number of eggs and size of individual eggs. This finding is critical for fisheries management, suggesting a focus on reducing fishing pressure on large fish rather than small ones.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalScience·DateMay 10, 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.

Food recognition in hundred-year-olds: this explains how our semantic memory works

A new study shows that centenarians outperform younger individuals in recognizing natural foods, indicating the role of experience in shaping semantic memory. The research reveals a decline in semantic memory function only after age 90, making it a potential early indicator for neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 10, 2018

Body's 'natural opioids' affect brain cells much differently than morphine

Researchers found that brain cells react to endogenous opioids and synthetic opioids in distinct ways, with synthetic opioids activating receptors in internal locations that endogenous opioids cannot access. This difference could contribute to the more rewarding effects of synthetic opioids, leading to addiction.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNeuron·DateMay 10, 2018

How do public 'report cards' affect physicians' treatment decisions?

A survey of interventional cardiologists found that two-thirds avoided performing potentially lifesaving procedures due to concerns about public reporting. Physicians reported being pressured by colleagues to avoid procedures, even if they were preferred for the patient's condition.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateMay 10, 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.

Neglected atom has top properties for atomic clocks

Researchers propose lutetium as a superior element for atomic clocks, offering lower sensitivity to temperature. This could lead to more accurate and stable timekeeping, with potential applications in fundamental physics and global positioning systems.

SourceCentre for Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 10, 2018

The evolution of conflict resolution

A study published in Journal of the Royal Society Interface examines how humans resolve conflicts through social constructs, finding that 'host-guest norms' are a common solution. The research suggests that these norms may have evolved due to the dynamic nature of social networks and the importance of resource ownership.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateMay 10, 2018

Shooting the Achilles heel of drug-resistant cancer

Researchers have identified a new vulnerability in drug-resistant melanoma that can be exploited to selectively kill cancer cells. By targeting this vulnerability with vorinostat, resistant tumor cells are killed while sensitive cells remain alive.

SourceNetherlands Cancer Institute·JournalCell·DateMay 10, 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.

Strain improves performance of atomically thin semiconductor material

Researchers at UConn improved the performance of an atomically thin semiconductor material by stretching it, a technique that could lead to faster computer processors and more efficient sensors. The study, published in Nano Letters, found a 100-fold increase in photoluminescence when the material was subjected to strain.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 10, 2018

Montana State student wins NSF fellowship to advance research on fluid sprays

Kristopher Olshefski, a Montana State University graduate student, has won a prestigious Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation. He will use the award to advance his research on fluid sprays, which could lead to improvements in vehicle fuel efficiency and the development of new propulsion systems for spacecraft.

SourceMontana State University·DateMay 10, 2018

Making next-generation preconception screening a reality for parents

A recent clinical study found that most parents-to-be want access to information from preconception carrier screening, including genetic variants associated with common disorders. However, the interpretation of these variants remains a significant challenge due to limited knowledge about their effects on health.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 10, 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.

Global trade spreads deadly frog disease from Asia

A deadly disease threatening frogs originated in East Asia, with global trade and human movement of amphibians contributing to its spread. The study found that the range of the disease expanded greatly between 50 and 120 years ago, coinciding with the rapid expansion of intercontinental trade.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalScience·DateMay 10, 2018

NASA eyes versatile carbon-nanotube technology for spaceflight applications

Carbon nanotubes are proving to be highly versatile for all types of spaceflight applications, including analyzing the chemical properties of rocks and soil on airless bodies. The nanotechnology works as envisioned, emitting enough electrons to excite samples and offering significant improvements over existing instruments.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 10, 2018

Researchers hide information in plain text

FontCode embeds hidden information in ordinary text by imperceptibly changing font shapes, making it difficult to detect. The method works with most fonts and document types, allowing companies to prevent tampering and protect copyrights without altering the layout.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics·DateMay 10, 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.

Identification of bovine IVF embryos without chromosome abnormalities by live-cell imaging

A study by Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology reveals that live-cell imaging can detect chromosomal abnormalities in bovine IVF embryos, increasing pregnancy success rates. The technique identifies half of morphologically transferable embryos as having nuclear/chromosomal abnormalities, which may lead to abortion.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 10, 2018

Punching holes in graphene to boost hydrogen production

Scientists at the University of Tsukuba have created an electrode based on 'holey' graphene that efficiently catalyzes the hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic electrolyte, making it cheaper and more effective. The new system outperforms regular non-holey graphene electrodes in acid conditions.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalACS Catalysis·DateMay 10, 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.

Heat and sound wave interactions in solids could run engines, refrigerators

Researchers at Purdue University have demonstrated the theoretical existence of thermoacoustics in solids, which could lead to the development of solid-state engines and refrigerators. The technology harnesses temperature oscillations and sound waves to generate energy, making it suitable for harsh environments like outer space.

SourcePurdue University·DateMay 10, 2018

Flexible work arrangements reduce wage gap for mothers

New UBC research suggests access to flexible work arrangements, such as working from home and choosing hours, improves wages for mothers, particularly those with a university degree. Flexible work benefits primarily by reducing barriers to employment in higher-paying firms, offering an important lesson for hiring managers.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalWork and Occupations·DateMay 10, 2018

Study examines the effects of physical activity during pregnancy

A recent study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica found that women with high physical activity levels had a reduced risk of acute cesarean sections. The Norwegian Fit for Delivery study also showed no other effects on labor or delivery outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateMay 10, 2018