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Science News Archive May 2018 - Page 34


Page 34 of 44
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fringe benefits: Drug side effects could treat human hair loss

Researchers discovered a novel mechanism of action for an immunosuppressive drug that promotes human hair growth and reduces hair loss. A compound targeting the same mechanism has shown similar effects in promoting hair growth without side effects.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 8, 2018

Despite mutations in Makona Ebola virus, disease consistent in mice, monkeys

NIH scientists found that Makona Ebola virus mutations did not impact disease progression or viral shedding in animal models, suggesting a consistent disease presentation. The study also compared EBOV-Makona to the original EBOV-Mayinga strain, finding that Makona is less virulent.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 8, 2018

Blocking the molecular source of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

A study from Michigan Medicine discovered that blocking a gene called FOXM1 can reduce the development of fibroblasts and fibrosis in IPF patients. The research used siomycin, an experimental compound designed to block FOXM1, which prevented fibrosis in mice with lung disease.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 8, 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.

Scientists investigate new strategy to treat spinal muscular atrophy in infants

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a potential new strategy to treat spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in infants. By understanding how the drug RG-7916 targets RNA mis-splicing, scientists may be able to design more effective therapies for genetic diseases.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 2018

Financial strain has major impact on patients' health care decisions

A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that financial strain is the primary factor influencing health care decisions for low-income patients. The researchers recommended that physicians take a proactive approach to recognize and address financial strain in their patients, rather than misinterpreting it as noncompliance.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 8, 2018

New shrew species discovered on 'sky island' in Philippines

The discovery of Palawanosorex muscorum, a unique mammal species found in the Philippines' Mt. Mantalingahan, sheds light on the country's rich biodiversity and the importance of protecting its 'sky islands'. The species' habitat is crucial for regulating water flow, which has significant implications for the local economy and population.

SourceField Museum·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·DateMay 8, 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.

Inequality is normal: Dominance of the big trees

The largest 1% of trees in mature forests worldwide comprise 50% of forest biomass, according to a global study. The size of the largest trees is crucial for forest structure and carbon storage, with big trees providing unique habitat and strongly influencing their surroundings.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateMay 8, 2018

Uterine cancer survivors are more likely to have cardiovascular problems

A new study found that uterine cancer survivors are more likely to experience cardiovascular problems years after treatment. The researchers identified a significant association between endometrial cancer diagnosis and an increased risk of heart diseases, peripheral and vascular atherosclerosis, and other circulatory disorders.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 8, 2018

Leopard meals: Females go for diversity

A study found that female leopards have a significantly wider diet range than males, with a greater diversity of smaller prey species. This is thought to be due to the energy constraints and limited home ranges of females.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalJournal of Zoology·DateMay 8, 2018

Amplification of key cellular organizer may initiate cancer, study suggests

A new study found that cells with abnormal centrosomes are present before they transform into cancer cells in patients with Barrett's esophagus. Centrosome amplification was found to be a hallmark of human tumors and may contribute to the initiation and progression of various cancers.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMay 8, 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.

Scientists train spider to jump on demand to discover secrets of animal movement

Researchers trained a 'Regal Jumping Spider' to jump different distances and heights using 3D CT scanning and high-speed cameras. The study reveals the spider uses different jumping strategies depending on the challenge, with internal hydraulic pressure playing a key role in its extraordinary jumping performance.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 8, 2018

Many Airbnb venues lack basic safety protections, new study suggests

A new study found that many Airbnb rentals in the US are missing critical safety features such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. The analysis of 120,691 venues across 16 cities showed that only 56% had carbon monoxide detectors and 42% had fire extinguishers.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalInjury Prevention·DateMay 8, 2018

Symptoms of osteoarthritis lessened with simple changes to the diet

A new study found that low-dose fish oil supplements can reduce pain in patients with osteoarthritis. Additionally, weight loss, exercise tailored to mobility, and a diet rich in vitamin K can also ease symptoms. A calorie-restricted diet was effective in reducing pain for overweight patients.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalRheumatology·DateMay 8, 2018

The secret of a long life

Research team from the University of Freiburg found that termite queens can live up to 20 years due to their unique genetic profile, which differs significantly from older workers. The discovery suggests that the superorganism concept may hold the key to understanding longevity in social insects.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 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.

Simple post-surgery step reduces bladder cancer recurrence

A randomized clinical trial found that flushing the bladder with a chemotherapy drug immediately after surgery significantly reduces the chances of bladder cancer returning. The study, published in JAMA, showed a 34% reduction in the risk of recurrence for patients receiving the treatment.

SourceSWOG·JournalJAMA·DateMay 8, 2018

Equal subsidies 'surprisingly powerful,' in promoting use of gold-standard medications

A new study by Gonzalo Romero and colleagues suggests that equal subsidies for gold-standard medications can be an effective way to promote their use. In the worst-case scenario, this approach still reaches at least half of treatments, while in better conditions, it may achieve up to 85% of maximum possible drug treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalOperations Research·DateMay 8, 2018

Tech bends light more efficiently, offers wider angles for light input

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a new technology for steering light, allowing for greater efficiency and wider input angles. The new grating expands the window to 40 degrees, enabling users to have a greater field of view in immersive augmented-reality displays.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 8, 2018

What does a 'normal' voice sound like?

A new study by Jody E. Kreiman investigates how people perceive voice quality and defines a 'normal' voice. The results show that listeners are consistent in their judgments of abnormal voices but disagree on what constitutes a 'normal' voice, highlighting the complexity of voice perception.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 8, 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.

Our vulnerable nervous system: What affects its protective sheaths?

A team of scientists at FAU has discovered how protein molecules regulate the formation of myelin sheaths in the nervous system. The study found that Nfat proteins are essential for successful interaction between other protein molecules, and their inhibition can lead to myelin loss and neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 2018

Decoding tornadoes' infrasound waves

Researchers have discovered that tornado-producing storms emit infrasound waves that can be detected hundreds of miles away. By analyzing these waves, meteorologists may gain valuable insights into the formation processes and life cycle of tornadoes, enabling early warning systems and potentially saving lives.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 8, 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.

Overpopulation of free-roaming cats drives hunt for better contraceptive

A recent study funded by Morris Animal Foundation failed to find an effective nonsurgical contraceptive for free-roaming cats. Researchers tested GonaCon, a vaccine previously found promising in other species, but it only provided contraception for one year in 30 percent of treated cats.

SourceMorris Animal Foundation·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateMay 8, 2018

Malaria parasite accumulates undetected in bone marrow

Researchers reveal malaria parasite's hidden reservoir in bone marrow, where it can remain undetectable by blood tests. The findings may help explain why many malaria infections go undetected and inform new diagnostic tools.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateMay 8, 2018

Heartbeat out of sync

Researchers developed a method to improve electrical transmission in the heart by introducing the Connexin 43 gene into cells forming the infarct scar. Mice with overexpressed Cx43 showed reduced cardiac arrhythmias compared to control animals.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 8, 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.

Can chimpanzee vocalizations reveal the origins of human language?

Researchers found that chimpanzee vocalizations do not resemble human language as expected, with inconsistent acoustic features and no consistent match between call types and food quality. This suggests that key events in language evolution occurred after the divergence of the chimpanzee and hominin lineages.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 8, 2018

Tracing the footprints of a tumor: Genomic 'scars' allow cancer profiling

Scientists create cell models with specific DNA repair gene defects, allowing them to identify genomic scars associated with these defects. These scars can serve as biomarkers for molecular characterization of tumors and improve personalized cancer treatment.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 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.

Unexpected behavior of atom clouds challenges existing theories

Researchers at TU Wien found that coupled atom clouds synchronize spontaneously and oscillate in perfect unison after just a few milliseconds. This effect cannot be explained by standard theories of Bose-Einstein-Condensates, which predict periods of synchronization alternating with de-synchronization.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 8, 2018

An innovation that opens horizons for greenhouse gases' remote monitoring

Researchers developed a miniaturized FTIR spectrometer based on silicon photonics, overcoming technical challenges to monitor greenhouse gases remotely. The device achieved resolutions comparable to commercially available portable spectrometers.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 2018

LSUHealthNO LA tumor registry among 16 funded by NCI SEER program

The Louisiana Tumor Registry has been awarded a one-year, $1.8 million contract to continue its work as a SEER Program-designated cancer registry. The award includes options for an additional nine years of funding, making it one of 16 competitively awarded SEER registries in the US.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·DateMay 8, 2018

Stay safe, take the bus

A Montreal study reveals that bus travel is significantly safer than car travel, with four times fewer injuries for passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians. The study's findings suggest that permanent speed-reducing structures and public transit are key to reducing road injuries.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateMay 8, 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.

Impaired brain pathways may cause attention problems after stroke

A study found that damage to brain pathways can lead to attention deficit in patients with subcortical stroke. The research used voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping and diffusion tensor tractography to identify the responsible impaired connections.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMay 8, 2018

Watch how a T cell passes HIV sexually to a new host

Researchers have developed an in vitro model of urethral mucosa to visualize the HIV transmission process. The study reveals that infected T cells target epithelial cells above macrophages, leading to viral production and shedding via transcytosis. Macrophages then capture and store the virus, posing a challenge for treatment efforts.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 8, 2018

Researchers use 'League of Legends' to gain insights into mental models

Novices organize mental models based on natural language connections, while journeymen rely on procedural connections. Expert mental models display abstract connections and subnetworks as they gain expertise. This study has potential applications for training programs and game design.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Cognitive Engineering and Decision Making·DateMay 8, 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.

New biomarker identified for early diagnosis of lung cancer

A new biomarker, CKAP4, has been identified in patients with stage I lung cancer, offering a potential non-invasive diagnostic marker that could improve patient outcomes. The sensitivity of serum CKAP4 was found to be higher than current sero-diagnostic markers.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateMay 8, 2018

Study looks at barriers to getting treatment for substance use disorders

The study found four broad themes affecting obstacles to treatment: patient eligibility, treatment capacity, knowledge of treatment options, and communication. Researchers recommend improving referral systems with a database of clear eligibility criteria and increased education for providers.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Addiction Medicine·DateMay 8, 2018

Type of maternal homework assistance affects child's persistence

A study found that children who have more opportunities for autonomous work complete school assignments persistently, leading to better skill development. In contrast, concrete help can make the child less task-persistent and develop poorer skills.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalLearning and Instruction·DateMay 8, 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.

Scientists observe stronger-than-binary correlations with entangled photonic qutrits

Researchers have observed stronger-than-binary correlations in quantum mechanics for the first time, utilizing three-dimensional entangled photon sources. The experiment, conducted 8 meters apart, demonstrates the existence of such correlations, which could lead to a deeper understanding of fundamental problems in quantum theory.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 8, 2018

Proper burial of dead cells limits inflammation

The presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) drives the digestion process of dead cells through efferocytosis. This mechanism helps limit host inflammation and regulates the immune response. Producing optimal levels of ROS is essential to prevent autoimmune disease and chronic conditions.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalBlood·DateMay 7, 2018

Measuring snow persistence can help predict streamflow

Researchers at Colorado State University found that measuring snow persistence can accurately map patterns of annual streamflow in dry regions. The study highlights the importance of broadening research beyond high-elevation snowpack to account for changes in lower-elevation snowpack that affect streamflow.

SourceColorado State University·JournalWater Resources Research·DateMay 7, 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.

Dementia risk doubles following concussion, UCSF study shows

Researchers tracked over 350,000 veterans and found a significant link between concussion and dementia, with concussion alone doubling the risk. The study suggests that traumatic brain injury may hasten neurodegenerative conditions by inducing or accelerating abnormal protein accumulation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateMay 7, 2018

AI detects patterns of gut microbes for cholera risk

Researchers used machine learning algorithms to identify patterns within human gut bacteria that predict susceptibility to cholera. The study found that a set of 100 microbes associated with the disease can be predicted by AI, potentially leading to improved vaccines and preventive approaches.

SourceDuke University·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateMay 7, 2018

Intraoral wireless electronics for sodium monitoring

Researchers developed a wireless, stretchable hybrid electronic system for real-time sodium monitoring in the oral cavity. The device integrates miniaturized chip-scale technology and microstructured sensors to measure sodium intake wirelessly.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 7, 2018