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Science News Archive May 2018 - Page 31


Page 31 of 44

Ancient skull shows early 'baleen whale' had teeth

A 34-million-year-old whale skull from Antarctica reveals early whales didn't have baleen, but instead used teeth to bite large prey. The discovery provides a rare window into the earliest phase of filter feeding evolution.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·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.

Eyes in the back of the head

Researchers at Tohoku University used a visual search experiment to demonstrate that the human visual system can perceive objects outside its limited field. The study found that the brain constructs a 360-degree world, enabling smooth and efficient movement without turning.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 10, 2018

UMass Amherst chemists develop molecular switch for on-demand cargo release

Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a molecular switch that uses light to control the release of compounds. The system consists of a thin membrane made up of chemical bonds, which can be compromised by the movement of a single chemical bond to allow the compounds to react with each other.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 10, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A new genetic 'map' of ancient human migration across Asia

Researchers analyzed ancient genomes to shed light on historical migration, language spread and horse domestication in Asia. Genetic data suggests that people migrated eastward through Central Asia before settling in the eastern regions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 10, 2018

Racial-ethnic disparities in the quality of end-of-life care among lung cancer patients

A study analyzed 154,498 NSCLC and 27,834 SCLC patients who died on or before December 31, 2013, revealing racial-ethnic disparities in end-of-life care quality. Minority patients had higher odds of preventable medical encounters, delayed hospice referral, and aggressive chemotherapy during end-of-life.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateMay 10, 2018

Study paves the way for better treatment of prostate cancer

Researchers developed a method to identify men with locally advanced prostate cancer who are less likely to respond well to radiotherapy. A 28-gene signature accurately identifies hypoxic tumour tissue in patients with prostate cancer that invades nearby structures. This signature could lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalEBioMedicine·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.

Cassava breeding hasn't improved photosynthesis or yield potential

Researchers analyzed four African cassava cultivars and found that unimproved landraces outperform improved varieties in photosynthetic efficiency. The study suggests genetic engineering may be necessary to improve cassava yield potential, which has remained stagnant despite advances in breeding.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalFood and Energy Security·DateMay 10, 2018

Study reveals that many oncologists recommend medical marijuana clinically despite not feeling sufficiently knowledgeable to do so

Researchers found that most oncologists discuss medical marijuana with patients and nearly half recommend it, but only 30% feel knowledgeable enough to make recommendations. The study suggests a discrepancy between attitudes and practices regarding medical marijuana's utility in oncology.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMay 10, 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.

Neuroscientists find first evidence animals can mentally replay past events

Researchers at Indiana University found that rats can replay past events from memory using episodic memory replay. The study confirms the ability of animals to recall specific events and their order, which is essential for making sense of scenarios. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceIndiana University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 10, 2018

Purple districts elect the most extreme legislators, driving polarization

Researchers found that purple districts with changing parties tend to have highly polarized voters and legislators taking extreme positions. States with high proportions of these districts exhibit higher levels of legislative polarization.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalPolitical Science Research and Methods·DateMay 10, 2018

At long last, a 3D picture of an interstellar cloud, a clue to star formation

Reconstructing the 3D structure of an interstellar cloud is critical for understanding the processes occurring within it. The authors successfully modelled the cloud's density using fast magnetosonic waves, showing that Musca is a vast sheet-like structure, not a long filament.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 10, 2018

Working overtime linked to less collaboration between nurses and doctors

A study by NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing found that one-third of nurses work longer than scheduled, resulting in drops in collaboration. The researchers suggest limiting overtime hours and offering fatigue management training and education to improve collaboration.

SourceNew York University·JournalJONA The Journal of Nursing Administration·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.

Nanodiamonds are forever

The Argonne team discovered that sulfur diffusion breaks down nanodiamonds into onion-like carbon, creating a superlubricant with friction 10 times lower than some nonstick coatings. The new lubricant can be used in various industries, including wind turbines and magnetic disc drives.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 10, 2018

High efficiency synthesis of insulin by self-assembly based organic chemistry

Researchers have developed a new method for synthesizing insulin using self-assembly of polypeptide chains, achieving a 40% efficiency rate. This approach enables the production of customized insulin compounds without relying on genetic engineering, which could lead to the development of novel insulin preparations.

SourceTohoku University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateMay 10, 2018

Microwaved plastic increases lithium-sulfur battery lifespan

Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a way to improve the lifespan of lithium-sulfur batteries by using microwaved plastic as a carbon scaffold. The process reduces polysulfide shuttling effect, increasing battery capacity retention and paving the way for commercial use.

SourcePurdue University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 9, 2018

Atmospheric seasons could signal alien life

Researchers at UCR's Alternative Earths Astrobiology Center are developing a framework for dynamic biosignatures based on seasonal changes. They found that ozone could be a more easily measurable marker for seasonal variability in oxygen, which is produced by life. Observing atmospheric seasonality in exoplanets may help detect life.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 9, 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.

X-ray laser opens new view on Alzheimer's proteins

Researchers used a powerful X-ray laser to analyze amyloid proteins, which are linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The new method allows for detailed structural analysis of individual amyloid fibrils, enabling scientists to better understand their role in disease development.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 9, 2018

78,000-year cave record from East Africa shows early cultural innovations

A 78,000-year-old cave site in coastal Kenya reveals a sequence of human occupation and cultural complexity, with technological innovations starting at 67,000 years ago. The discovery challenges previous hypotheses about human migration out of Africa and provides new insights into the adaptability of early humans.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 9, 2018

Major enhancement to in vitro testing of human liver-stage malaria

Researchers developed a new method to study liver-stage malaria in vitro, using primary human liver cells on 384-well plates. This technique reduces costs and biomaterials requirements, making it more accessible for screening preclinical drugs and vaccines.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 9, 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.

Lab-on-a-chip device mimics eye damage due to intense light

Houston Methodist researchers developed a lab-on-a-chip technology that models human neural networks to study retinal diseases and potential treatments. The NN-Chip can quickly screen drugs for damaged neuron and retinal connections, offering new hope for treating conditions like macular degeneration.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 9, 2018

Getting health data sharing off the ground

The Swiss Personalized Health Network aims to develop guidelines for responsible health data sharing, addressing key topics like data quality and patient sovereignty. Innovative solutions, including blockchain and reciprocity-based incentives, are being explored to overcome hurdles in data sharing.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMay 9, 2018

Axial reports findings of elevated 4-EPS in children with ASD

Researchers have found significantly elevated levels of 4-ethylphenylsulfate (4-EPS) in serum samples from children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), suggesting a potential biomarker for the condition. Elevated 4-EPS levels were also associated with worse social performance, indicating its possible role in ASD pathology.

SourceMacDougall Biomedical Communications, Inc.·DateMay 9, 2018

Gene study spots clues to heart risk for statin patients

A Vanderbilt-led research team discovered genetic variations that increase heart attack risk even when patients are on statin drugs. The study found seven genetic variations associated with increased heart events in patients receiving statins, suggesting new targets for reducing cardiovascular risk.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCirculation·DateMay 9, 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.

TGen develops quality-control test for detecting cancer in blood

A new quality-control test developed by TGen can detect cancer in blood with high accuracy, filtering out contaminants and evaluating cfDNA samples. This test has shown promising results in several cancer types, including melanoma and breast cancer.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 9, 2018

Exiled asteroid discovered in outer reaches of solar system

An international team of astronomers has discovered a carbon-rich asteroid in the Kuiper Belt, providing strong support for theoretical models of the Solar System's formation. The asteroid, 2004 EW95, is believed to have formed in the inner Solar System and was flung outwards by a migratory planet.

SourceESO·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 9, 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.

New CAR T case study shows promise in acute myeloid leukemia

A new phase 1 trial has shown that CAR T therapy CYAD-01 can induce a complete remission in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia, lasting nine months. This breakthrough is significant as it is the first time CAR T therapy has been effective without preconditioning chemotherapy.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalHaematologica·DateMay 9, 2018

New tool predicts deadly form of rare cancer

A new tool uses high-throughput DNA sequencing to accurately predict which early-stage Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma (CTCL) patients are at risk of developing an aggressive form of the disease. The tool, which analyzes specific genes, has shown promise in improving treatment outcomes for these patients.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 9, 2018

New gene therapy sparks healthy heart beats

A new gene therapy approach has shown dramatic reduction of post-infarction arrhythmias in mice by electrically coupling non-excitable cells to undamaged heart cells. The treatment involves introducing a single gene, Connexin43, which bridges the conduction block in damaged hearts.

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 9, 2018
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Depression linked to memory problems and brain aging

A study published in Neurology found that depression in older adults may be linked to memory problems and structural differences in the brain. Researchers also discovered a possible link between depression and small vessel disease, a condition affecting brain health.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMay 9, 2018

Kenyan cave sheds new light on dawn of modern man

A 48,000-year-old Kenyan cave has yielded a treasure trove of ancient items, including crayons and shell beads, that offer new insights into the dawn of modern man. The site's continuous record of human habitation dates back 78,000 years, providing valuable evidence of early Homo sapiens behavior.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 9, 2018

Nutmeg's hidden power: Helping the liver

Researchers have discovered how nutmeg helps protect the liver, using a mouse animal model of liver toxicity. The spice was shown to restore healthy levels of lipids and acylcarnitines, and a specific compound, myrislignan, had a strong protective effect against liver damage.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateMay 9, 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.

Growing life-like heart valves, thanks to help from computational modeling

Researchers have created a bioengineered heart valve that emulates native heart valves and functions well after transplantation into sheep. The tissue-engineered heart valve demonstrated improved valve mechanics and tissue structure, and remodeled itself in a similar fashion to native heart valves over time.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 9, 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.

Reconnection tames the turbulent magnetic fields around Earth

MMS mission discovers a new process of magnetic reconnection that converts turbulent magnetic energy into high-speed jets of electrons. This finding helps scientists understand the role of magnetic reconnection in heating the solar corona and accelerating the solar wind.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateMay 9, 2018

Microbes are savvy investors when contributing to the common good

In a breakthrough study, microbes have been found to act like savvy investors when contributing to the common good. They adjust their investment strategy depending on how much they have at stake, maximizing returns in groups with mostly relatives and exploiting contributions in outnumbered groups.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 9, 2018

For how long will the USA remain the Nobel Prize leader?

The US is predicted to lose its lead as the country with the most Nobel Prizes due to declining productivity. According to an empirical study, the US will be surpassed by Germany in 2025 and France in 2028. The UK remains a strong contender with a high success rate per capita.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMay 9, 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.

Powerful hurricanes strengthen faster now than 30 years ago

A recent study found that powerful hurricanes intensify more rapidly and strongly in the Atlantic Ocean, with a climate cycle called AMO being the main driver. The average boost in wind speed during a 24-hour intensification event is about 13 mph more than it was 30 years ago.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 9, 2018

Progress in posttraumatic stress disorder --Increased understanding points to new approaches for PTSD prevention and treatment

Recent advances in PTSD research focus on brain structure and function, informing efforts to interrupt the processes leading to symptom development. Effective treatments like exposure therapy are based on mechanisms of fear extinction, while new approaches target stress hormones and brain regions involved in emotion dysregulation.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalHarvard Review of Psychiatry·DateMay 9, 2018