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Science News Archive November 2018


Page 26 of 42

New physical activity guidelines for Americans released

The US Department of Health and Human Services has released updated physical activity guidelines for Americans, emphasizing the importance of regular exercise in improving health and reducing chronic disease risk. The guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity or muscle-strengthening activities p...

Exercise intervention benefits older hospitalized patients

A randomized clinical trial found that an exercise intervention including resistance, balance, and walking exercises improved functional capacity scales at hospital discharge. The study showed benefits for cognitive status among older hospitalized patients.

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.

Key takeaways from three landmark heart studies

Research studies by Cedars-Sinai's Sumeet Chugh's team identify associations between sudden cardiac arrest and multiple sclerosis, left ventricular hypertrophy, and obesity. Patients with MS have a five-fold higher incidence of sudden cardiac arrest, while those with LVH are at higher risk due to electrocardiography risk scores.

Nitrogen fixation in ambient conditions

Researchers at EPFL have successfully converted molecular nitrogen into ammonia using mild low-energy conditions. The development of a uranium-oxo bridge allows for easy cleavage of the bound dinitrogen complex to produce cyanamide, a widely used compound in agriculture and pharmaceuticals.

History of ant-plant relationships

Researchers report that ant-plant interactions began in the Mesozoic era, with ants shifting from predation to herbivory. The study suggests that plant diversification was facilitated by ant interactions but not vice versa.

Testing theories of sex differences and autism

A large-scale study analyzing over 600,000 people found that females scored higher on average in empathy, while males scored higher on average in systemizing. The results supported both the empathizing-systemizing and extreme male brain theories of sex differences and autism.

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.

Scientists debunk potential link to crop cold tolerance

A new study by the University of Illinois and Massachusetts Institute of Technology refutes the idea that C4 crops like corn and sugarcane are limited in their ability to produce Rubisco, an enzyme essential for photosynthesis. The researchers found that these crops' chloroplasts have sufficient space to house more than enough Rubisco ...

Poxvirus hijacks cell movement to spread infection

A new study reveals how the poxvirus tricks cells into activating their own cell movement mechanism, allowing the virus to spread rapidly. The researchers found that a specific protein, vaccinia growth factor, plays a key role in this process, and that targeting this pathway could lead to new antiviral strategies.

Family, school support makes kids more likely to stand up to bullying

A recent study from North Carolina State University found that students with strong family relationships are more likely to intervene when witnessing bullying. Good teacher relationships also play a crucial role in encouraging bystander intervention. In contrast, those who feel excluded or discriminated against by peers or teachers are...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Primate colonization of the Caribbean

Ancient DNA analysis reveals extinct Jamaican monkey Xenothrix, which diverged from Cheracebus monkeys around 11 million years ago. The study suggests that adaptation can shape species morphology in novel environments, supporting primate colonization of the Caribbean islands.

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.

Patients with common heart failure more likely to have lethal heart rhythms

Patients with common heart failure are more likely to experience lethal heart rhythms, according to research from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The study found that those with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are twice as likely to suffer from pulseless electrical activity or asystole, which can be fatal.

Seasonal variation of atmospheric microbes

A study on atmospheric microbes found consistent seasonal variations in diversity and composition. Microorganisms were closely related to specific biomes such as aquatic, cropland, and urban environments.

Scientists bring polymers into atomic-scale focus

Researchers at Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley create high-resolution images of individual atoms in synthetic polymers, revealing 35 arrangements of crystal structures. The discovery could inform polymer fabrication methods and lead to new designs for materials and devices.

Defective DNA damage repair leads to chaos in the genome

Researchers found that failing DNA repair systems lead to chromosome fragmentation and defective assembly in cancer cells. This can be treated with PARP inhibitors, which block another critical DNA repair enzyme, causing genetic damage that kills the cell.

Escape decisions in fish shoals

A recent study using computer vision technology reveals how diverse fish species make decisions when fleeing from predators. The researchers found that neural circuits previously identified in lab animals are also present in wild fish shoals, governing escape decision-making.

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.

Major traumatic injury increases risk of mental health diagnoses, suicide

A large study found that people who experience major injuries requiring hospital admission are at substantially increased risk of being admitted for mental health disorders. The study also revealed a higher risk of suicide among these patients, with 70 suicides per 100,000 patients per year compared to the general population.

Vaccines against multiple parainfluenzas

Researchers designed a quadrivalent fusion glycoprotein vaccine against human parainfluenza viruses, inducing up to 500-fold higher neutralizing immune responses. The shape-stabilized glycoproteins may offer a general class of vaccines against widespread parainfluenzas and related pathogens.

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.

Frail seniors going without desperately needed in-home healthcare, study finds

A new study reveals a massive shortage of home-based medical care for frail seniors, particularly in rural areas. The researchers found that only 2-4% of rural Medicare recipients received home-based medical care, highlighting the need for increased access to telemedicine and improved payments for in-home care providers.

Study opens route to ultra-low-power microchips

Researchers at MIT have developed a method to control magnetic properties of thin-film materials using hydrogen ions, enabling spintronics devices that consume less power and generate less heat. This breakthrough has the potential to overcome physical limitations in memory and logic devices.

Ultra-thin transparent silver films for solar cells

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum developed a new fabrication process for transparent ultra-thin silver films, which may improve the efficiency of solar cells and light-emitting diodes. The process overcomes challenges associated with traditional chemical methods.

It's not trails that disturb forest birds, but the people on them

Regularly used forest trails have fewer bird species and lower numbers of birds compared to less-used areas, even with decades of human activity. This suggests that forest birds do not habituate to trail use, highlighting the need for protected areas and adherence to stay-on-trail rules.

Artificial intelligence to accelerate malaria research

A new study published by Insilico Medicine using artificial intelligence has identified potential FP2 blockers, which could lead to the development of new antimalarial drugs. The research provides insights into the properties of E64 approaches and their interaction with falcipain-2, a key target for malaria treatment.

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.

Coughing and airway mucus clearing

A study analyzes airway mucus properties contributing to ineffective coughing in respiratory disease. Strategies to reduce mucus hyperconcentration and viscosity are proposed as potential solutions.

In live brain function, researchers are finally seeing red

Researchers at Yale University have identified a new fluorescent protein, VARNAM, that allows for live neurons to glow red when activated, making it possible to monitor brain activity in a less invasive way. This breakthrough enables scientists to capture complex brain activity spikes in multiple systems.

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.

Combining hospital, police data to better understand violence

Researchers found that a large percentage of violent injuries treated in emergency departments are from incidents unknown to law enforcement. Combining hospital and police data can provide a more complete picture of violence, highlighting the need for improved reporting and tracking.

Concussion associated with suicide risk

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 studies involving over 700,000 patients with concussions or mild traumatic brain injury found a significant association between the two conditions and an increased risk of suicide. However, the absolute risk was small due to the low mortality rate among these patients.

Primary care clinicians' willingness to care for transgender patients

A survey of primary care clinicians found that most are willing to provide routine care for transgender patients, with a decrease in willingness among older clinicians. Factors such as personal exposure and transphobia levels influenced clinicians' willingness to provide Pap tests to transgender men.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

New concussion recommendations for kids

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends light physical activity and allows electronic device use during concussion recovery. Young athletes should stop playing immediately after a suspected concussion but can engage in brisk walking and academic workloads with reduced intensity.

Division of labor within default mode network

A study of over 10,000 participants found that gray matter volume in certain DMN subregions was associated with white matter microstructure changes. Variations in functional coupling patterns were also linked to connectivity changes between major brain networks.

Lack of exercise impacts mental health in Japanese expats

A study published in Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine found that regular exercise among Japanese expatriates can reduce time spent sitting down and improve mental health. Compared to non-exercisers, those who exercised regularly spent 135 minutes less time sitting and had a higher quality of life score.

Spread of deadly eye cancer halted in cells and animals

Johns Hopkins researchers discovered that blocking the activin receptor can suppress the growth and spread of retinoblastoma cells, halting the cancer's progression. The therapy showed promising results in both human cells and zebra fish, offering new hope for treating this deadly eye cancer in children.

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.

Exosomes 'swarm' to protect against bacteria inhaled through the nose

A research team from Massachusetts Eye and Ear discovered a new mechanism by which the immune system protects itself against bacteria inhaled through the nose. The 'exosome swarm' process involves tiny fluid-filled sacs that directly attack bacteria and shuttle protective antimicrobial proteins along the airway to protect other cells.

Montreal researchers explain how your muscles form

Researchers at the University of Montreal have discovered two proteins essential to the development of skeletal muscle. The study, published in Nature Communications, sheds light on the 'dance' of muscle cell movement and how cells fuse together to form a single large cell, leading to improved understanding of rare muscular diseases.

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.

Fecal transplant effective against immunotherapy-induced colitis

Researchers found fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to be an effective treatment for severe colitis caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors. The study showed both patients experienced significant improvements in inflammation and ulcerations after FMT, with reduced resemblance to their own pre-treatment gut microbiome.

How pneumococci challenge our immune system

Researchers found that pneumolysin can interact with a special receptor in immune cells, triggering an anti-inflammatory response. This allows the bacteria to hide from further attack and grow, eventually giving rise to pneumonia. The study's findings may lead to new strategies for tackling pneumococcal infections.

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.

Drug-resistance mutations in malaria

Researchers have discovered previously unidentified mutations in the PfCoronin and PfKelch13 genes that confer artemisinin resistance in West African malaria strains. These findings provide potential insights into the molecular mechanisms of artemisinin resistance.

Weight during adolescence may affect pancreatic cancer risk in adulthood

Research has found a strong link between adolescent weight and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer later in life. The study analyzed data from over 1.7 million Israeli adolescents and found that obesity was associated with a four-fold higher risk of pancreatic cancer, even among those who were not obese.