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Science News Archive November 2018


Page 17 of 42

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.

Google data shows public interest in conservation is rising

A recent analysis of Google Trends data reveals a significant rise in public interest in conservation, with monthly searches reaching 110,000. The study's findings suggest that the growing interest in conservation is not diminishing, but rather complementing interest in climate change.

Mite genomes reveal 'mighty surprising' fragrant and colorful secrets

Scientists discover functional genes for producing terpenes and carotenoids in mites, which could lead to new ways of controlling chigger bites and potentially treating scrub typhus. Ancient horizontal gene transfer from soil bacteria and fungi is found to be responsible for these genetic surprises.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Computational chemistry supports research on new semiconductor technologies

Researchers use computational chemistry to explore interactions between organic molecules and surfaces, gaining insights into designing patterned surfaces for next-generation semiconductors. High-performance computing enables simulations of molecular dynamics, revealing new phenomena and improving the understanding of chemical reactions.

'True polar wander' may have caused ice age

Researchers propose that changes in Earth's spin axis, known as true polar wander, triggered the latest ice age about 12 million years ago. By analyzing fossil signatures and magnetic data from ocean sediments, they found evidence of a 3-degree shift in the planet's rotation axis, which may have led to the formation of thick ice sheets.

Ecstasy ingredient may promote cooperation

A controlled laboratory study found that MDMA increased cooperation between individuals who had been betrayed, indicating the drug's potential as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. The study also reported altered brain activity in regions involved in social information processing.

Aspirin and omega-3 reduce pre-cancerous bowel polyps

A clinical trial found that aspirin reduced the number of polyps overall, including on the right side, while EPA reduced polyps on the left side. Both compounds had preventative effects by reducing specific types of polyps.

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.

Swifts ride air currents to catch a free lunch

Researchers analyzed the flight patterns of swifts, discovering that they spend most of their time gliding and using rising currents to power their movements. This unique strategy allows them to extract energy from the air almost for free, making their foraging capabilities extremely efficient.

Exploring the genetic contribution to suicide risk

Researchers at University of Utah Health identified four gene changes linked to increased suicide risk in high-risk families. These findings may lead to new treatments for those who suffer from mental health issues.

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.

Response to daily stressors could affect brain health in older adults

A new study from Oregon State University found that older adults' daily stress reactions can impact their brain health. The researchers followed 111 participants aged 65-95 and discovered that those who experienced more negative emotions and reactivity to stressors showed greater cognitive decline.

Researchers find promise in new treatment for peanut allergy

Researchers developed a new oral immunotherapy drug, AR101, derived from peanut protein, to build tolerance in peanut allergy sufferers. The study found that more than two-thirds of participants taking the active drug could tolerate a dose of peanut protein equivalent to about two peanut kernels.

Fine analysis of fur grooming in cats

A study reveals that cats' tongues use fine structures called papillae to aid grooming. The papillae wick saliva from the mouth and deposit it onto fur, regulating body temperature.

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.

Amazonian peatlands as carbon source

A study simulating Amazonian peatland dynamics from 2100 AD to 12,000 years ago finds that peatlands may become a net source of carbon under changing climate conditions. Basin peatland and non-peatland soils are predicted to release up to 0.4 petagrams of carbon by 2100.

A molecule for fighting muscular paralysis

Researchers at UNIGE have identified tamoxifen, a breast cancer medication, as a potential treatment for myotubular myopathy, a genetic disease that causes muscle paralysis and death before two years of age. The molecule greatly reduces the progression of the disease and boosts life expectancy in animal models by a factor of seven.

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.

Alcohol-impaired driving and drinking at private residences

A study found that 73% of drinking occasions occurred at home, while only 9% were at restaurants or bars. Drinking at home was rarely associated with driving after drinking or impaired driving, but still led to substantial numbers of drunken driving events.

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 explain how wombats drop cubed poop

Researchers studied the digestive tracts of wombats and found that elastic properties of intestinal walls allow for cube formation. Wombats use cube-shaped poop to mark their home ranges and communicate with other wombats.

New dual-action cancer-killing virus

Researchers developed a dual-action virus that kills cancer cells while targeting adjacent fibroblasts shielding them from the immune system. The therapy showed promise in human cancer samples and mice without causing toxicity.

Explaining a fastball's unexpected twist

Investigations by Utah State University researchers reveal that two-seam fastball pitch movement is influenced by finger grip and spin axis tilt. The knuckleball's unique point of separation mid-flight also affects its trajectory, contrary to initial assumptions based on the Magnus effect.

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.

Noise pollution in hospitals -- a rising problem

Research highlights the negative impact of hospital noise on communication, patient rest, and recovery, as well as staff performance and burnout. The authors propose a new approach to addressing noise pollution, prioritizing SPL reduction and involving patients in its creation.

Bullying and violence at work increases the risk of cardiovascular disease

People who experience workplace bullying or violence are at higher risk of heart and brain blood vessel problems, including heart attacks and stroke. The largest prospective study found a strong association between the two, with those exposed to frequent bullying or violence having a 59% higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

New treatment to protect people with peanut allergies ready for FDA review

A new treatment has been shown to help people with peanut allergies build up a tolerance to the allergen, allowing them to consume small amounts without experiencing severe reactions. The study found that two-thirds of participants were able to tolerate the equivalent of two peanuts per day after nine to 12 months of treatment.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Helping Marvel superheroes to breathe

Researchers found that Ant-Man and the Wasp's bug-sized state would lead to serious oxygen deprivation issues due to reduced atmospheric density. Microfluidic technologies could help alleviate these issues by providing controlled flow rates and directions of air, similar to insect respiratory systems.

Researchers propose solutions for urine sample splash dilemma

Researchers have proposed a solution to the uncomfortable and messy issue of providing urine samples. A patented product called the Orchid, designed by Faith Leibman, features a funnel-like catch attached to a urine sample cup, making it easier for women and people with disabilities to provide a urine sample.

Swarmlike collective behavior in bicycling

A team of researchers analyzed aerial video footage of bicycle races to determine the causes of changes in peloton collective behavior. They found two types of propagating waves within pelotons, driven by rider vision and sensory input, which challenge previous assumptions about aerodynamics' role in group dynamics.

UK needs to redesign health policies for men

A new report calls on the UK government to redesign health policies for men, taking into account their unique experiences in the workplace. The report highlights the need for targeted marketing campaigns and out-of-hours services to reach men at risk of poor physical and mental health.

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.

New inhibitor which blocks inflammation could also treat sepsis

Scientists have discovered a new OGG1 inhibitor that decreases lung inflammation in mice, which could lead to better treatments for diseases like sepsis and autoimmune disorders. The inhibitor blocks the onset of inflammation associated with oxidative stress, offering a new mechanism for preventing inflammatory conditions.

Treated superalloys demonstrate unprecedented heat resistance

Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory discovered a way to make superalloys more resistant to heat-related failures, allowing them to withstand high temperatures six times longer than untreated counterparts. This breakthrough could improve materials performance in electricity generators and nuclear reactors.

New materials: Growing polymer pelts

Scientists at KIT have developed a simple and cost-effective method to create customized polymer nanofibers through vapor deposition of liquid crystal layers with reactive molecules. This process enables the creation of complex structures with tailored properties for various applications, including biological detectors and coatings.

Sucking your baby's pacifier may benefit their health

A Henry Ford Health System study found that babies whose parents cleaned their pacifiers with saliva had lower levels of IgE antibodies, associated with allergies and asthma. The researchers believe healthy oral bacteria may be passed from parents to their children, influencing immune system development.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Milk allergy affects half of US food-allergic kids under age 1

A new study reveals that over two percent of U.S. children under the age of 5 have a milk allergy, and 53% of food-allergic infants under age 1 have a cow's milk allergy. The number of children with milk allergies decreases as they grow older, with 41% of 1-2-year-olds, 34% of 3-5-year-olds, and 15% of 11-17-year-olds.

Majority of HIV persistence during ART due to infected cell proliferation

A study published in Nature Communications confirms that HIV persistence during antiretroviral therapy (ART) is driven by the proliferation of infected cells, rather than viral replication. This finding suggests that reducing cellular proliferation could help deplete the latent HIV reservoir and potentially lead to a functional cure.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Study links social isolation to higher risk of death

A large American Cancer Society study found that social isolation is linked to a higher risk of death from all causes combined and heart disease, with increased cancer mortality in white men and women. Addressing social isolation holds promise as it could be relatively simple and influence other risk factors.

How to make AI less biased

Researchers identify potential causes of bias in machine learning systems and demonstrate how changing data collection methods can reduce bias without compromising accuracy. They suggest identifying clusters of patients with high disparities in accuracy to inform data collection decisions.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Eyeing echidnas

Harvard researchers create highly-detailed musculoskeletal model of an echidna forelimb to gain insight into its biomechanics and optimize limb leverage for certain movements. The study also reveals the importance of muscle configuration in supporting limb rotation, a key feature of the echidna's sprawling gait.

The common ancestor of species was rod-shaped

The study found that the common ancestor of Deinococcus species was rod-shaped, with six conserved genes (MreB, MreC, MreD, MrdA, RodA, and RodZ) present in all rod-shaped species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that major gene loss occurred four times during evolution, generating spherical shape species.

Color coded -- matching taste with color

Penn State researchers found that people can learn to associate colors with tastes and that some people are quicker learners than others. They also discovered that different bitter compounds have distinct taste profiles, which may explain why people enjoy some bitter flavors but not others.

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.