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Science News Archive May 2018 - Page 43


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Environmental impact of electric vehicles in China? It depends on how they are charged

Researchers found that private electric vehicles can reduce CO2 emissions by incentivizing slow charging, while electrifying buses and taxis is the most effective option for improving air quality in Beijing. The study's strategy aims to maximize the benefits of renewables by managing vehicle charging.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Energy·DateMay 1, 2018

Marmosets as the canary in the coal mine for Zika

Researchers found that marmosets infected with the Zika virus during pregnancy experienced spontaneous abortion and neurological abnormalities in their fetuses. This study suggests that marmosets may be a relevant model for understanding the effects of Zika on fetal health.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalScientific Reports·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.

Acupuncture possible treatment for dental anxiety

Researchers have found evidence that acupuncture could be an effective treatment for dental anxiety, reducing anxiety scores by eight points in patients. While more research is needed to confirm the findings, early indications suggest that acupuncture may be a promising option for tackling this common condition.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalEuropean Journal of Integrative Medicine·DateMay 1, 2018

Monash study exposes key tactic used by deadly fungus

A Monash University study has identified a lethal fungus that destroys the immune cell responsible for killing it by depleting its source of nutrients. The research found that Candida albicans competes with macrophages for glucose, leading to their death.

SourceMonash University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 1, 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.

Real-time coverage of inside of the brain made possible

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new analytical system for real-time monitoring of metabolites in the brain, overcoming previous limitations in sensitivity and invasiveness. The system, combining probe electrospray ionization (PESI) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), successfully monitored cerebrum metabolites with ...

SourceNagoya University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMay 1, 2018

Orange county teen dating violence is twice the national average

A new study by Chapman University finds that nearly two-thirds of Orange County teens experience some form of dating abuse, with 69% reporting at least one type of abuse. The study also reveals that physical violence is not the only form of abuse, with 35% experiencing emotional abuse and 30% being put down or insulted.

SourceChapman University·DateMay 1, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

High prevalence of atherosclerosis found in lower risk patients

Researchers used whole-body magnetic resonance angiography to detect early atherosclerotic disease in asymptomatic individuals, finding nearly half had at least one narrowed artery. The study suggests the technique's potential for stratifying individuals with disease burden and informing preventative therapy.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMay 1, 2018

Food for thought: Ketogenic diets reduce athletes' anaerobic performance

A new study from Saint Louis University found that ketogenic diets negatively impact exercise performance in activities dependent on anaerobic energy systems. The research suggests athletes should avoid low-carb diets for weight loss or improved performance unless medically necessary.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalThe Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness·DateMay 1, 2018

Distress in men following prostate cancer can be reduced

A new web-based support programme offers online cognitive behavioural therapy and peer support to survivors of prostate cancer, aiming to improve their mental health. The programme has shown promising results in reducing distress and improving quality of life among men recovering from the disease.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJMIR Cancer·DateMay 1, 2018

Novel cancer vaccine strategy blocks death of tumor-specific cytotoxic T cells

Researchers developed a novel vaccine strategy that blocks the death of tumor-specific cytotoxic T cells, leading to improved antitumor efficacy in mice. The approach involves increasing the amount of time interleukin 2 (IL2) stays in the body, enhancing the activation and survival of these immune cells.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateMay 1, 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.

Mosquitoes bite when thirsty, too

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati discovered that female mosquitoes bite not only to get protein but also to quench their thirst during a drought. Dehydration prompted as many as 30 percent of female mosquitoes to seek a blood meal, increasing the risk of disease transmission.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 1, 2018

Study links 'good' brown fat and exercise

A new study by Ohio State University reveals that a lipid released from brown fat, called lipokine, surges in the bloodstream after exercise. This finding suggests that burning of brown fat and this lipid play an important role in the metabolic benefits of exercise.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 1, 2018

New diagnostic technique picks up the S in vision

A new diagnostic technique has been successfully tested at the University of Bradford, allowing for the isolation of responses from S-cone photoreceptors. This breakthrough could help in the diagnosis of diseases such as Types 1 and 2 diabetes, glaucoma, and high blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalJournal of the Optical Society of America·DateMay 1, 2018

Scientists discover the secret behind the stability of carbon isotopes

Researchers at Osaka University have identified a carbon isotope with a magic number of six, demonstrating improved stability and understanding of spin-orbit coupling in atomic nuclei. This breakthrough provides new insights into the origin of spin-orbit force and magic numbers of nuclei.

SourceOsaka University·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.

'Institution shocks' spotlight effects of changing economic institutions

Researchers analyzed the effects of socialist Salvador Allende's electoral victory and subsequent nationalizations, finding a significant decrease in firm values. A second 'institutional shock' occurred with the coup that replaced Allende with Augusto Pinochet's autocratic rule, leading to a surge in stock market values.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalJournal of Development Economics·DateMay 1, 2018

Study challenges 'shock and kill' approach to eliminating HIV

Researchers have found that only a small percentage of latently infected cells are reactivated by the 'shock and kill' approach, indicating a need for new treatment strategies. The study suggests exploring alternative approaches to control or eliminate non-reactivatable latent HIV genomes.

SourceeLife·DateMay 1, 2018

Curves or angles? Shapes in businesses affect customer response

Researchers found that angular shapes increased customer satisfaction when businesses were busy, while circular shapes focused attention on server warmth and friendliness. This study explores the impact of shape on consumer response in service industries, offering insights for businesses to maximize customer satisfaction through design.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Business Research·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.

Vegan and traditional kimchi have same microbes, study finds

A study found that vegan and traditional kimchi have nearly identical microbial communities after fermentation, with lactobacillus and leuconostoc dominating the samples. The findings suggest that vegan kimchi can provide probiotic benefits similar to traditional kimchi.

SourceBrown University·JournalFood Microbiology·DateMay 1, 2018

EEG signals accurately predict autism as early as 3 months of age

Researchers developed algorithms to analyze EEG signals from infants at high risk for autism, accurately predicting ASD with over 95% accuracy by 9 months. Early detection may lead to better outcomes and prevention of behaviors associated with ASD.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 1, 2018

A surprising new superconductor

Researchers have created a new superconductor with a critical temperature over 6 Kelvin, which could enable the development of ultrafast and powerful computers. The electroplated rhenium material is non-toxic, easy to work with mechanically, and melts at high temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 1, 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.

CAR-T immunotherapy eliminates metastatic colorectal cancer in mice

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University successfully killed tumors and prevented metastatic growth in mouse models of colorectal cancer using CAR-T cell therapy, targeting the GUCY2C antigen. The therapy achieved high survival rates without side effects, paving the way for potential human clinical trials.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateMay 1, 2018

NIST/NASA study shows one detector doesn't 'fit all' for smoke in spacecraft

A NASA and NIST study found that traditional smoke detectors may not effectively detect smoke particles in space due to unique microgravity properties. The study investigated five common materials used on spacecraft and found that some detectors struggled to detect smaller particles, posing a concern for fire safety.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalFire Safety Journal·DateMay 1, 2018

Lightning carries potential danger to people with deep brain stimulators

A new case report warns of the potential danger of lightning strikes to patients with deep brain stimulators. The authors suggest precautions such as using surge protectors, charging devices first before plugging in, and strictly following manufacturer instructions to minimize risk.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateMay 1, 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.

New lab study reveals how breast cancer drug can accelerate cancer cell growth

A new study has revealed that breast cancer drug lapatinib can cause breast cancer cells to grow more rapidly in some situations. The findings could lead to safer treatment decisions and improved drug design in the future. Researchers hope their results will inform how doctors select patients who may benefit most from these drugs.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·DateMay 1, 2018

For high school baseball pitchers, extra throws on game day add up but go uncounted

Researchers found that nearly half of a pitcher's total throws are unaccounted for in teams' pitch counts. This can lead to excessive pitching and increased risk of elbow and shoulder injuries. The study suggests that counting all pitches, including warm-ups and bullpen activity, can help reduce injury risk.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalOrthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMay 1, 2018

Gentrification draws more whites to minority neighborhoods

A new USC study shows that gentrifying neighborhoods become more white, with minority communities changing racial makeup in 18-30% of cases. Most ascending neighborhoods primarily black or Hispanic become mixed-race, while whites become the majority in only 11% of these areas.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalUrban Affairs Review·DateMay 1, 2018

To improve future relationship with your kids, turn up the music

A new study from the University of Arizona found that young men and women who shared musical experiences with their parents during childhood and adolescence report better relationships with their moms and dads in young adulthood. Simple activities like listening to music together may have a greater impact than formal experiences.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Family Communication·DateMay 1, 2018

A reimagined future for sustainable nanomaterials

Researchers have created a database to screen for environmentally sustainable nanomaterials, allowing designers to weigh performance characteristics like toxicity and antimicrobial activity before developing products. The tool aims to reduce unintended consequences and promote sustainable nanotechnologies.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 1, 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.

Blueprint for the skull

A study published in Cell Reports has mapped the genetic regulators of facial development, revealing thousands of previously unknown enhancers linked to craniofacial abnormalities. The researchers found that these enhancers contribute to many cases of cleft palate and provide new insights into the causes of this birth defect.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 1, 2018

The macabre world of mind-controlling parasites

Parasites have evolved to 'hack' their host's nervous system, controlling behavior and decision-making. Researchers explore the mechanisms involved, discovering compounds that act on neural circuitry, offering insights into neural control of animal behavior.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 1, 2018

Acute and chronic changes in myelin following mild traumatic brain injury

Researchers found increased myelin water fraction in white matter following mild TBI, indicating active remyelination process. However, this change may be associated with disorganized and less functional myelin, a potential risk factor for chronic conditions like CTE.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateMay 1, 2018

Deer fawns more likely to survive in agricultural landscapes than forest

Researchers found that fawn survival is higher in landscapes with mixed forest and agricultural cover, but human-caused mortalities are greater. The study suggests that efforts to alter fawn survival may be challenging due to predation, and that reducing antlerless harvests may be more effective.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateMay 1, 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.

Communication difficulties linked to increased risk of self-harm and suicidal behavior

A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that children with difficulties in social communication have a higher risk of suicidal self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and suicide plans by age 16. Depression in early adolescence partially explains this association.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMay 1, 2018

Breakthrough for SF State kinesiologists studying metabolic protein

Researchers at San Francisco State University have discovered a breakthrough technique for testing AMPK protein levels in human muscle cells. This innovative approach allows for precise analysis of individual muscle fibers, enabling better understanding of how the body regulates blood sugar levels.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateMay 1, 2018

Stanford scientist develops protein mimic to help injured lungs breathe

A new study by Stanford University researcher Annelise Barron has developed a protein mimic that restored breathing capacity to injured rats' lungs, outperforming animal-derived counterparts. The synthetic product could lead to better and cheaper treatments for acute lung injury in humans.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·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.

Cancer patients set to benefit from world's largest surgery study

The GlobalSurg3 study will pool data from hundreds of hospitals worldwide to compare surgery quality and highlight ways to improve patient care. The initiative aims to provide high-quality surgical care to millions of patients diagnosed with breast, gastric, or colon cancer annually.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateMay 1, 2018

Cognitive scientists define critical period for learning language

A new study by MIT researchers found that children can learn grammar up to age 17 or 18, while adults struggle to achieve native speaker-level proficiency unless they start learning before age 10. The study analyzed data from nearly 670,000 people and suggests a longer critical period for language learning.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCognition·DateMay 1, 2018

Teen tanning addiction afflicts minorities in Los Angeles

A USC study reveals teenage minorities in Los Angeles are struggling with tanning addiction, associated with marijuana abuse and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The condition is more prevalent among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders, highlighting the need for targeted education and services.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateMay 1, 2018

Fracking the immune system

A study published in Toxicological Sciences suggests that exposure to fracking chemicals during pregnancy may impair female offspring's ability to fend off diseases. Fracking chemicals have been found in ground water near fracking sites and are linked to reproductive and developmental defects, hormone disruption, and immune system damage.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalToxicological Sciences·DateMay 1, 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.

Frozen embryo transfer versus fresh embryo transfer: What's riskier?

A new study published in Birth Defects Research found that frozen embryo transfer may be associated with an increased risk of large for gestational age babies. On the other hand, a review on congenital heart defects (CHD) suggests that only milder forms of CHD may be linked to assisted reproductive technologies.

SourceTeratology Society·JournalBirth Defects Research·DateMay 1, 2018

Scientists map key brain-to-spinal cord nerve connections for voluntary movement

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center mapped critical brain-to-spinal cord nerve connections that drive voluntary movement in forelimbs. The study identified specific neurons that control different skilled movements and provided insights into the organization and function of corticospinal circuits.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 1, 2018

Shivering and exercise both trigger same fat-burning effect

Researchers identified a lipid that circulates in the blood after exercise and exposure to cold, which may help reduce triglyceride levels and improve cardiovascular health. The lipid, called 12,13-diHOME, is produced by brown fat and promotes the uptake of fatty acids into working muscles during exercise.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·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.

Gene therapy for lipoprotein lipase deficiency yields promising results

A gene therapy case report published in Human Gene Therapy reveals a safe and effective treatment for lipoprotein lipase deficiency, with improved quality of life outcomes after discontinuing plasmapheresis. The treatment, ali-pogene tiparvovec, has been approved in Europe to treat the rare inherited disorder.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateMay 1, 2018

Rice, UH team preps for massive Antarctic glacier study

A Rice University team is part of a $25 million study investigating the collapse of Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica. The team will use marine geological and geophysical data to examine how the glacier retreated in the past and determine key boundary conditions controlling its retreat.

SourceRice University·DateMay 1, 2018