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Science News Archive May 2018 - Page 3


Page 3 of 44

A new understanding of how glucose makes you fat

A recent study by UT Southwestern researchers reveals that the NAD+ molecule plays a crucial role in controlling genes essential for fat cell differentiation and cancer growth. The findings suggest that compartmentalized synthesis of NAD+ integrates cellular information to control gene expression, maintaining metabolic health.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalScience·DateMay 31, 2018

More important for heart patients to be active than thin

A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study found that individuals with coronary heart disease who are physically active live longer, regardless of their weight. The study revealed that even slight physical activity is better than none at all, but sustained high-intensity exercise is crucial for reaping benefits.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 31, 2018

Scientists reveal the secrets behind Pluto's dunes

Researchers discovered Pluto's dunes on the boundary of a major mountain range, likely formed by methane ice grain sublimation and transported by moderate winds. The unique features suggest recent formation within the last 500,000 years.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalScience·DateMay 31, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

With supercomputing power, scientists solve a next-generation physics problem

Researchers calculate fundamental property of protons and neutrons with unprecedented 1 percent precision, matching long-standing experimental results. The new calculation provides a critical benchmark for applying lattice QCD to nuclear physics problems, which could aid in dark matter searches and answer outstanding questions about th...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMay 30, 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.

Breaking good -- Key discovery made for battling opioid epidemic

A novel gene encoding the enzyme thebaine synthase has been isolated from the opium poppy, enabling the commercial production of non-plant based biosynthetic manufacturing systems for active opioid agents and intermediates. This breakthrough opens the door to creating new opioid molecules with reduced addictiveness.

SourceEpimeron Inc.·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 30, 2018

Older men with higher levels of sex hormones could be less religious

A new study found that men with higher levels of testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) had weaker religious ties. The research analyzed data from over 1000 men and suggests that physiological factors, such as hormones, may play a role in shaping religiosity later in life.

SourceSpringer·JournalAdaptive Human Behavior and Physiology·DateMay 30, 2018

New research predicts likelihood that one will believe conspiracy theories

New social psychology studies predict the likelihood of believing conspiracy theories, finding that people with high confidence in their politics understanding are more likely to endorse conspiracies. Researchers suggest that challenging one's assumptions and seeking credible perspectives can lead to more informed opinions.

SourceLehigh University·JournalEuropean Journal of Social Psychology·DateMay 30, 2018

Using telemedicine to bring genetic counseling to community cancer care

A randomized, controlled trial found that 77% of patients who received remote phone or video counseling sessions underwent genetic testing, compared to just six percent in the usual care group. The study also highlights the importance of addressing disparities in genetic testing and knowledge among community practice patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateMay 30, 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.

NUS scientists discover a new way to control blood pressure

Researchers found that Galectin-1 can lower blood pressure by reducing activity of L-type calcium channels in arteries. This discovery offers a novel approach to treating hypertension, potentially with minimal side effects.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalCirculation·DateMay 30, 2018

Is a common antimicrobial harmful to gut health?

Researchers found that triclosan causes colon inflammation and worsens colon cancer in mice, raising concerns about its safety for human consumption. The study suggests that individuals with inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer may be more vulnerable to the chemical's adverse effects.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 30, 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.

Free tax services in pediatrics clinics yield high returns

A free tax preparation program in pediatric clinics helped over 753 clients receive $1.6 million in federal tax returns, with a significant improvement in tax filings and client knowledge about the EITC. The program also reduced financial stress for low-income families and maximized their tax refunds.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 30, 2018

Italy's oldest olive oil discovered in peculiar pot

Researchers from University of South Florida have identified oleic and linoleic acids in ancient pottery from Sicily, dating back to the Early Bronze Age. The discovery confirms olive oil existed in Italy hundreds of years earlier than previously recorded.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalAnalytical Methods·DateMay 30, 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.

Magic in metal could help put excess carbon dioxide to good use

Researchers have discovered a way to harness bismuth's unique property, called catalytic plasticity, to convert carbon dioxide into liquid fuels and industrial chemicals. This approach could potentially provide sustainable routes to making fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalACS Catalysis·DateMay 30, 2018

Insomnia is a likely long-term side effect of stroke

Researchers found stroke patients took longer to fall asleep, had poorer sleep efficiency, and were more prone to errors during the day. The study suggests sleep problems in stroke patients are due to psychological strain, pain, and reduced physical activity, highlighting the importance of good sleep for recovery.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 30, 2018

The smallest biggest theropod dinosaur

A new Spinosaurus fossil from Africa is reported to be the smallest known individual of this giant, sail-backed theropod. The tiny claw phalanx found in Cretaceous-aged sandstones retains the same locomotor adaptations as larger adults.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateMay 30, 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.

Study examines tax compliance behavior in small business owners

A new study surveyed 330 UK micro-business owners, finding that internalised motivation (fair fiscal system) and extrinsic motivation (severe penalties) predict self-reported tax compliance. Internalised motivation but not extrinsic motivation predicts tax compliance when considered together.

SourceWiley·JournalApplied Psychology·DateMay 30, 2018

Oil and gas wastewater on the road could mean health and environment woes

Research found that oil and gas wastewater used as a dust suppressant on unpaved roads contains harmful pollutants, including salt, radioactivity, and toxic metals. These substances can be detrimental to human health and aquatic life, potentially contaminating nearby bodies of water.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 30, 2018

Global warming hits poorest hardest, new research shows

New research reveals that global warming hits poorest regions hardest, with temperate nations like the UK being less affected than tropical countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo. The study found that as average temperatures rise to 1.5°C or 2°C, wealthy areas will experience fewer climate changes compared to poor nations.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 30, 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.

Growth of Greenlandic children is no longer stunted

A recent study published in Acta Paediatrica reveals that Greenlandic children are growing taller than ever before, with average heights now comparable to those of Danish children. This shift is attributed to a combination of genetic factors and improved maternal health, particularly among mothers who are obese.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateMay 30, 2018

A novel data-driven method to personalize cancer treatment

A novel data-driven approach called PanDrugs prioritizes cancer treatments based on patient genetic alterations. The method integrates pathway context and collective gene impact to provide therapeutic options for patients with limited druggable genes.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalGenome Medicine·DateMay 30, 2018

ASCO to honor Ludwig scientists at 2018 Annual Meeting

Ludwig scientist Ralph Weichselbaum receives the David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award and Lecture for his discoveries in basic mechanisms of signal transduction and gene expression following radiation exposure. Jedd Wolchok, another Ludwig researcher, is named a 2018 ASCO Fellow for his work on harnessing the immune system to treat cancer.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·DateMay 30, 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.

Queen Mary research forecasting the evolution of cancer

Researchers developed a computer model that forecasts tumour changes, allowing for early disease course prediction and personalized treatment. The study reveals driver mutations can accelerate tumour growth by up to 30%.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 30, 2018

Creating an automated high-throughput flow cytometry system

Researchers from the Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation developed a fully automated screening system that solves the slow and low-throughput problem of high-throughput screening in flow cytometry. The system achieves a throughput of 50,000 wells per day, enabling robust phenotypic drug discovery.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateMay 30, 2018

Powered by citizen volunteers, air pollution study gets $1.6 million

The Citizen-Enabled Aerosol Measurements for Satellites project deploys 250 air samplers across Colorado and the Northwest, collecting precise measurements of air quality. The study aims to improve satellite-derived pollution estimates and better understand where air pollution is dirtiest.

SourceColorado State University·DateMay 30, 2018

Huddling for survival: monkeys with more social partners can winter

Wild Barbary macaques that have more social partners tend to form larger huddles at night, allowing them to conserve energy and reduce environmental stress. This social thermoregulation behavior is linked to higher fitness levels, as it enables monkeys to better cope with adverse weather conditions.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 30, 2018

Teaching chores to an AI

Researchers at MIT's CSAIL have developed a system called VirtualHome that can simulate detailed household tasks and train artificial agents to execute them. The system uses natural language descriptions of activities, such as making coffee or setting the table, to instruct robots on how to complete tasks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·DateMay 30, 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.

After 40 years in limbo: Styrene is probably carcinogenic

A recent study by Aarhus University found a fivefold risk of nasal cancer following styrene exposure. The researchers also discovered that styrene doubles the risk of acute myeloid leukemia in workers exposed to high levels of styrene. These findings, combined with animal evidence and epidemiological studies, led WHO to classify styren...

SourceAarhus University·JournalEpidemiology·DateMay 30, 2018

CLL patient treated at Penn goes into remission thanks to single CAR T cell

A 2013 CLL patient achieved complete remission with a single CAR T cell infusion, sparking insights into the human genome and immune response that may enhance response rates. The successful treatment was linked to the specific location of the CAR gene within the patient's T cell DNA.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateMay 30, 2018

Kicking the car(bon) habit better for air pollution than technology revolution

The study, led by Dr Christian Brand, finds that both lifestyle change and zero-emission technologies are needed to meet Scotland's 80% carbon reduction target by 2050. Lifestyle changes such as walking, cycling, and using clean public transport can show quicker results than gradual transitions to electric vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalEnergy Efficiency·DateMay 30, 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.

Having an abortion does not lead to depression

A new study analyzing data from Danish women found that taking antidepressants did not change significantly before or after an abortion, and actually decreased over time. The research supports recent reports concluding that abortion does not cause depression, anxiety, or PTSD.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 30, 2018

Getting conservationists and fishers on the same page

A new online tool, EcoCast, provides fishermen with computer-generated maps to target productive fishing spots while avoiding protected species. By predicting where different marine species are likely to be found under various ocean conditions, EcoCast aims to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of fisheries.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 30, 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.

Body knows best: A natural healing mechanism for inflammatory bowel disease

Weizmann Institute of Science researchers found a natural defense mechanism that prompts the body to alleviate intestinal inflammation. Boosting signals in certain cells, such as those making up the inner lining of the gut, may help treat inflammatory bowel diseases and potentially even colon cancer.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 30, 2018

Here is what it looks like, when a massive black hole devours a star

A new computer model developed by Dr. Jane Lixin Dai and Prof. Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz enables the categorization of variations in observations of Tidal Disruption Events, allowing for a better understanding of black hole properties and the study of rare celestial events.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 30, 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.

Seismometer readings could offer debris flow early warning

Researchers deciphered seismometer readings from a 2017 Montecito landslide to determine the disaster's scale and location. The findings suggest that seismometers can be used to provide an early warning of incoming debris flows, potentially saving lives.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 30, 2018

NCI-MATCH precision medicine trial reaches milestone

The NCI-MATCH trial has released findings from three treatment arms, offering hope for targeted therapies in patients with specific gene abnormalities. The trial's results could aid in identifying effective treatments for various cancers, paving the way for future research.

SourceECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group·DateMay 30, 2018

Scientists use photonic chip to make virtual movies of molecular motion

Researchers have developed a method to simulate molecular motion using a photonic chip, allowing for the creation of virtual movies of molecular dynamics. This technology has the potential to improve the accuracy of molecular models and aid in the development of new pharmaceuticals.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·JournalNature·DateMay 30, 2018

Igniting the rheumatoid arthritis flame through a cellular cascade

Researchers at Osaka University identified a cellular network involving Th17 cells and stromal cells that secretes inflammatory cytokines to initiate and maintain rheumatoid arthritis. By targeting this network, a novel immunotherapeutic approach has been proposed to reduce chronic joint inflammation.

SourceOsaka University·JournalImmunity·DateMay 30, 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.