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Science News Archive May 2018 - Page 42


Page 42 of 44

Heart disease symptoms improved by blocking immune cell migration

Researchers found that immune cells in the bloodstream can worsen heart disease when they migrate to the heart. Blocking their migration improved symptoms in mouse models of heart disease, offering a novel therapeutic approach for non-ischemic cardiomyopathy.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 2, 2018

Flaw found in water treatment method

A recent study from Johns Hopkins University reveals a flaw in the water treatment process that can create toxic transformation products, including 2-butene-1,4-dial. This compound has been linked to negative effects on human cells and may be responsible for toxicity in cigarette smoke and car exhaust.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 2, 2018

Understanding fear of guilt key in better treating OCD

A new study at University of Waterloo found that fear of guilt evokes feelings of doubt in decision-making, leading to indecisiveness and repetition in OCD patients. The study's results suggest that addressing this specific factor could improve treatment outcomes for individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders·DateMay 2, 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.

Organic printing inks may restore sight to blind people

Researchers have developed a tiny, simple photoactive film that converts light impulses into electrical signals, stimulating neurons and potentially restoring sight to blind people. The technology uses cheap and widely-available organic pigments and has been successfully tested in experiments with non-functioning retinas.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 2, 2018

No evidence of 'gaming' after death rates for bowel surgeons published

A study published by The BMJ found no evidence of 'gaming' after death rates for bowel surgeons were publicly reported. However, improvements were seen in mortality rates for patients undergoing non-emergency surgery, suggesting that the introduction of public reporting may have triggered better outcomes through teamwork.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 2, 2018

Hawking's last paper co-authored with ERC grantee posits new cosmology

Hawking's final theory on the origin of the universe predicts a simpler and finite universe, contradicting the prevailing theory of eternal inflation. The new theory, developed by Hawking and ERC grantee Thomas Hertog, proposes that the universe is reasonably smooth and globally finite.

SourceEuropean Research Council·JournalJournal of High Energy Physics·DateMay 2, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Frequent sauna bathing reduces risk of stroke

A 15-year study found that people taking saunas four to seven times a week were 61% less likely to suffer a stroke than those taking one session per week. Frequent sauna bathing also reduces cardiovascular and all-cause mortality risk.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNeurology·DateMay 2, 2018

Are emperor penguins eating enough?

Researchers use time-lapse video observations to determine the foraging success of Emperor penguins, which is crucial in understanding their diet and adaptability to a warming Antarctic. The study's findings may inform conservation measures to protect the critically endangered species.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMay 2, 2018

Research identifies unconventional immune cell capable of fighting viral infections

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have identified a unique type of immune cell that can combat viral infections. These unconventional V-delta-2 lymphocytes are present at birth and increase in numbers during viral infections, becoming licensed to kill and accessing tissues to detect and destroy virally infected target cells.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 2, 2018

A novel voltage peak in the metal nanowire-superconductor hybrid structure

A novel voltage signal has been observed in a hybrid metal nanowire-superconductor structure, where the voltage peak appears at the proximity-induced superconducting transition temperature and is proportional to the cooling rate. This finding offers a new method for detecting superconductivity without damaging or dissipating current.

SourceScience China Press·DateMay 2, 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.

UH engineer seeks to learn more about crystal formation

A UH engineer is working to understand how crystals form in soft materials, with potential applications in drug design, biomedical diagnostics and petrochemical production. The researcher aims to control the crystallization process to improve outcomes in various fields.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateMay 2, 2018

Researchers discover connection between circadian rhythm and aggression

A study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen has confirmed a connection between the circadian rhythm and aggression in Alzheimer's patients. The team identified a circuit linking the brain's circadian clock to an aggression centre, suggesting a potential target for pharmacological intervention. This discovery may lead to new ...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 2, 2018

PD-L1 expression in medulloblastoma: An evaluation by subgroup

Research findings show that PD-L1 expression facilitates immune escape in medulloblastoma patients. The study identifies subgroup-specific variations in PD-L1 expression and its relationship with therapeutic responses. Immune adjuvant therapies may be necessary to fully realize the benefits of PD-1 blockade treatments.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateMay 2, 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.

It all comes down to roughness

The study shows that using rough particles can significantly reduce the amount of material needed to achieve sudden solidification in suspensions. This could lead to improved cement flow characteristics and potential applications in everyday materials like bullet-proof vests.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 2, 2018

New leads on treating dementia and Alzheimer's

A recent study sheds light on the role of inflammation in dementia and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that inflammation is a major cause rather than just a consequence. The research found that many genes linked to dementia regulate susceptibility and response to inflammatory damage.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateMay 2, 2018

NASA finds Tropical Cyclone Flamboyan in a southeastern stretch

Tropical Cyclone Flamboyan has been weakened by strong vertical wind shear, with precipitation pushed southeast of its center. The storm's elongated low-level circulation center is due to the presence of high winds, leading to a gradual decay over the next couple of days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 2, 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.

Plant breeders balance shared innovation, revenue

Researchers recommend developing best practices for revenue sharing, increasing funding for public programs, and establishing professional standards for sharing plant breeding materials. This can support the development of low-return, high-value crops that benefit both farmers and society as a whole.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateMay 2, 2018

Protecting campus free speech, even when it challenges beliefs

A Cornell University study suggests that understanding biases is key to resolving conflicts over free speech, as psychological science has shown many types of bias can prevent opposing sides from accepting each other's arguments. The researchers argue that college experiences should involve challenging beliefs, even when uncomfortable.

SourceCornell University·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateMay 2, 2018

Whooping cough more widespread than previously known

According to Public Health Ontario and ICES, whooping cough cases in Ontario are more frequent than previously known, with estimated cases being nearly double reported cases. This highlights the need for people to ensure their immunizations are up-to-date to limit potential infection and spread.

SourcePublic Health Ontario·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 2, 2018

Why Antarctic snow melts even in winter

Researchers found that Antarctic glaciers can experience surface melting during the winter months due to warm winds. The Larsen C ice sheet shows large meltwater lakes forming, which may affect ice-shelf stability and contribute to sea-level rise if ponds cause ice shelves to break up.

SourceSwansea University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 2, 2018

NASA's GPM examines developing US severe weather

The GPM core satellite analyzed severe weather in the US, predicting a surge of spring tornadoes after a drought. Moisture-laden air from the Gulf of Mexico interacted with dry air, resulting in thunderstorms that spawned rotation and tornadoes.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 2, 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.

Scientists discover balance of thermal energy and low climate stress drive coral species diversity

Scientists have identified thermal energy and low climate stress as key drivers of coral species diversity in the Indian Ocean. The study, published in the Journal of Biogeography, found that optimal levels of warm water and reduced stress support high species richness, while extreme temperatures kill many species.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateMay 1, 2018

Valleytronics discovery could extend limits of Moore's Law

Researchers have discovered a new material that can absorb and selectively reemit light, providing a platform to understand how information is stored and processed in valleytronics devices. This breakthrough could enable the development of operational valleytronic devices with increased computing power and data storage density.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 1, 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.

Blacks, whites equally as likely to be prescribed opioids for pain

A recent study from the University of Michigan found that racial disparities in opioid prescribing have decreased, with blacks and whites now receiving equal numbers of opioid prescriptions. However, blacks are at a higher risk of addiction due to prescription narcotic exposure.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMay 1, 2018

Use of ibuprofen and similar NSAIDs may shorten life of patients

A study published in Kidney Cancer found that non-aspirin NSAID use was associated with shorter overall survival time for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The use of these medications can cause kidney-specific toxicity, leading to increased blood pressure and decreased renal function.

SourceIOS Press·JournalKidney Cancer·DateMay 1, 2018

Strategy prevents blindness in mice with retinal degeneration

Researchers at Duke University have developed a strategy that delays blindness in mice with retinal degeneration by boosting cells' ability to process misfolded proteins. The approach could potentially be used to prevent cell death in other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Huntington's and Parkinson's.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 1, 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.

Dielectric metamaterial is dynamically tuned by light

The new technology can control electromagnetic waves in many different ways by adjusting the size and angle of tiny silicon cylinders within a grid structure. This allows for subwavelength control, faster reconfiguration, and potentially improved security scanners and visual displays.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 1, 2018

New insights into the origins of mutations in cancer

Researchers used human and C. elegans data to understand the mutational causes of cancer, finding a resemblance between nematode worms and human cancer genomes. They discovered DNA mismatch repair deficiencies in both species, providing insights into the causes of cancer and potential treatment avenues.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute·JournalGenome Research·DateMay 1, 2018

Opioids over-prescribed after hiatal hernia surgery

A study presented at the AATS 98th Annual Meeting found that patients used far fewer opioids than were prescribed after open and laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair. The study identified several factors contributing to over-prescribing, including inadequate patient education and improper use of adjunct pain medications.

SourceAmerican Association for Thoracic Surgery·DateMay 1, 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.

Sweating the small stuff

Researchers developed a new membrane with nanoscale pores that allows for controlled sweat stimulant release, mitigating issues with direct dermal contact and sweat dilution. The technology has the potential to improve wearable biosensing devices for measuring small samples of sweat.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateMay 1, 2018

Vitamin D improves weight gain and brain development in malnourished children

A study led by Queen Mary University of London found that high-dose vitamin D supplements significantly boosted weight gain in malnourished children. Vitamin D supplementation also resulted in substantial reductions in delayed motor development and language development, with potential implications for the management of severe acute mal...

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 1, 2018

$3.6 million boost in search for new malaria drugs

A global charity grant will support researchers in Australia and the US to identify 'drug-like' molecules for treating malaria. The new treatments aim to target deadly forms of the disease, such as Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax, with a focus on long-term effectiveness.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·DateMay 1, 2018

Hormone from fat boosts metabolism in both exercise and cold

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have discovered a hormone in fat that boosts metabolism during exercise and cold exposure. The hormone, 12,13-diHOME, is released from brown fat and offers beneficial metabolic effects. Further studies are underway to understand its role in obesity and metabolic disease.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 1, 2018
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Blood type O patients may have higher risk of death from severe trauma

A study published in Critical Care found that blood type O patients had a death rate of 28% after severe trauma, compared to 11% for patients with other blood types. The researchers suggest that lower levels of von Willebrand factor may be linked to higher hemorrhage rates and increased mortality.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCritical Care·DateMay 1, 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.

Palliative care improves hospital care for seriously ill patients

A new study from Trinity College Dublin found that palliative care significantly improves patient experience by reducing hospital stays and costs. For patients with complex health needs, which often come with high costs, palliative care can expedite discharge and improve outcomes.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 1, 2018

As consumers, how do we decide what's 'best' when it's not clear?

A new study found that consumers tend to make choices in a 'boundedly rational' way, relying on predispositions while keeping an open mind to strong evidence. This is particularly true when product quality is ambiguous, such as with generic products versus brand-name alternatives.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateMay 1, 2018

Post-mortem CT angiography illuminates causes of death

A study found that post-mortem CT angiography outperformed conventional autopsy in detecting skeletal and vascular lesions, which can provide crucial information in post-mortem examinations. The technique showed high sensitivity and specificity, making it an excellent choice for investigating traumatic deaths.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMay 1, 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.

Traffic-related pollution linked to risk of asthma in children

A recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that children living close to major roadways had nearly three times the odds of pediatric asthma compared to those who lived farther away. The researchers also discovered a stronger link between lifetime pollution and asthma among school-age girls.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMay 1, 2018

Most academic institutions unprepared to meet new HHS clinical trial reporting regulations

A recent study found that many academic institutions in the US are unprepared to comply with stricter requirements for clinical trial registration and reporting. The institutions face challenges in allocating staff time and resources to meet these new regulations. As a result, some organizations have not implemented policies to punish ...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalBMC Medicine·DateMay 1, 2018

New study finds pureed pork supports infant growth

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that introducing pureed pork as a complementary food to formula-fed infants can support early growth and development. The research suggests that meat-based diets may be beneficial for linear growth, with no increased risk of overweight at 12 months of age.

SourceWeber Shandwick Chicago·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 1, 2018

Disparities found in lung cancer care, survival in US versus England

A study by Yale researchers found significant disparities in lung cancer care and survival between the US and England. In the US, 25% of patients were diagnosed at stage 1, compared to 15% in England, while 45% of US patients were diagnosed late-stage, versus 52% in England.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateMay 1, 2018

New research ranks the effectiveness of nonsurgical treatments for knee osteoarthritis

A network meta-analysis of 53 randomized controlled trials found naproxen most effective in improving both pain and function, followed by cortisone injections and PRP injections. The study suggests naproxen as a relatively safe and low-cost treatment option for knee osteoarthritis.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMay 1, 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.

Virus inhibits immune response of caterpillars and plants

A new study reveals that a polydnavirus suppresses the defense mechanisms of both caterpillar hosts and plant hosts, allowing parasitic wasps to thrive. The virus reduces glucose oxidase in caterpillars' saliva, triggering lower enzyme activity and defense-gene expression in plants.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2018