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Science News Archive November 2018


Page 37 of 42

Michael Bruchas receives the Jacob P. Waletzky Award

The Society for Neuroscience presents Dr. Michael Bruchas with the Jacob P. Waletzky Award, recognizing his research on stress biology and opioid signaling in drug addiction. His work has advanced our understanding of neural circuits and cell biology critical to developing new treatments.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How clear speech equates to clear memory

A study by University of Texas at Austin researchers found that listeners who heard sentences spoken in a clear style did better on memory recall tasks than those who heard them spoken in a conversational manner. The researchers suggest that clearly produced speech may be an efficient way to convey information and improve retention.

First-of-its-kind research models immune responses in cellular immunotherapies

Scientists have developed a first-of-its-kind model of immune responses in cellular immunotherapies, such as stem cell transplantation and CAR T-cell therapies. This breakthrough research aims to personalize treatments and reduce complications like graft-versus-host disease. The model has the potential to identify optimal donors for tr...

Gut stem cells offer clues for preventing tumours in inherited bowel cancer

A study in mice suggests that targeting pre-cancerous stem cells could prevent bowel cancer in people with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a condition that increases the risk of developing the disease. Researchers found that treating these stem cells with existing cancer drugs, such as cisplatin, can halt tumour development.

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.

Establishing immunotherapy for pediatric liver cancer

Navin Varadarajan is modifying T cells to recognize and kill glypican-3, a molecule found in liver cancer cells. The goal is to develop an effective treatment for high-risk pediatric liver cancer with poor survival rates.

Great honor for research on vehicle emissions

Researchers have investigated the emissions of Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines and found that they produce genotoxic exhaust gases, which can increase carcinogenic potential up to 17 times higher than diesel vehicles. Retrofitting GDI engines with particle filters could improve their emission behavior.

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.

Happy childhood memories linked to better health later in life

Research published by the American Psychological Association found that people with positive childhood memories tend to have better health, less depression, and fewer chronic illnesses as older adults. Good memories from childhood relationships with both mothers and fathers can reduce stress and promote healthy choices.

New device improves balance in veterans with Gulf War Illness

Researchers at Rutgers University developed a device that improved balance in 100% of veterans with Gulf War Illness by stimulating the vestibular system. The findings suggest correcting the vestibular system may treat other conditions associated with the illness.

Breakthrough for treatment of fibrotic diseases

Scientists have found a drug combination that can halt the progression of fibrosis, a condition responsible for almost half of all deaths. The study, published in European Urology, tested a combination of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors and selective oestrogen receptor modulators on cells and animals.

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.

A hypocaloric Mediterranean diet and daily exercise maintain weight loss

A study of over 600 patients with overweight or obesity found that a hypocaloric Mediterranean diet combined with daily exercise maintained clinically significant weight loss after one year. Patients showed improvements in glucose metabolism and inflammatory markers, while those with diabetes saw particularly high benefits.

Contrary to government report, orangutans continue to decline

A recent study published in Current Biology found that orangutans are critically endangered and their numbers have not increased as reported by the Indonesian government. The research highlights the need for a new conservation approach given the ongoing decline of orangutan populations.

Identifying a piranha by its bark

Scientists have discovered that different piranha species can be identified by the pattern of their barks, which could lead to more efficient conservation efforts. The study's findings suggest that passive acoustic monitoring may be a useful tool for studying piranha behavior in the wild.

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.

Researchers solve mystery surrounding a form of Batten disease

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a new mechanism for neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 8, a form of Batten disease. The study found that the CLN8 protein plays a crucial role in facilitating the transfer of lysosomal enzymes from the endoplasmic reticulum to the lysosome.

Genetics of cichlid fish bower building

Researchers found thousands of genetic variants linked to both pit and castle building behaviors, suggesting complex patterns of genetic variation and regulation. The study provides evolutionary insights into the development of these natural behaviors in cichlid fishes.

Evolution of limb patterning in tetrapods

Researchers discovered a nearly complete skeleton of the ancient fish Rhizodus hibberti, featuring a novel skeletal pattern in its pelvic fins. The findings suggest that developmental mechanisms were more flexible in early tetrapods, allowing for varied skeletal patterns before the familiar one-to-two limb structure emerged.

WEIRD science

Researchers found that traditional personality traits, like the Big Five, may not be universal across cultures. To improve psychological science, experts recommend considering socioecological theory and diversifying study samples from non-Western populations.

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.

Does having muscle weakness and obesity lead to falls for older women?

Researchers found that postmenopausal Hispanic/Latina women had the highest risk of falls related to sarcopenic obesity. Postmenopausal women younger than 65 were also at a higher risk for falls connected to sarcopenic obesity, highlighting the need for targeted solutions to address this growing health concern.

Black infants may have higher cardiac arrest rates

A multi-year review of all pediatric emergency response records in Houston found that Black infants comprised a significantly larger proportion of cardiac arrests than expected. The study suggests that genetic differences in risk based on race, environmental or socioeconomic factors, or a combination of factors may contribute to the di...

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.

Wealthier people do less in the struggle against climate change

A collective-risk dilemma experiment revealed that participants with fewer resources contributed significantly more to fighting climate change than wealthier people. The poorest groups were classified into 'generous clusters', while the richest were in 'greedy clusters'. This highlights the need for policies to prioritize climate justi...

Dana-Farber scientists find new drug targets in aggressive cancers

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have discovered a previously unknown molecular vulnerability in two rare, aggressive cancer types, synovial sarcoma and malignant rhabdoid tumors. The study identifies the ncBAF complex as a key player in these cancers' proliferation and growth.

More than intelligence needed for success in life

Non-cognitive skills such as attention, self-regulation, and perseverance play a significant role in determining academic achievement, cognitive ability, and language outcomes. However, the existing evidence base in this field is limited due to publication bias and methodological flaws, underscoring the need for further research.

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.

Prejudice against women in power is greater than we think

A new study by Adrian Hoffmann and Jochen Musch found that people are significantly more prejudiced against women (37%) than initially thought (23%), as indirect questioning methods reveal honest responses. The study suggests that women are more reluctant to express prejudice, possibly due to societal expectations.

Borexino sheds light on solar neutrinos

The Borexino experiment has provided insights into how the Sun generates energy by analyzing its solar neutrino spectrum. The study revealed details about the Sun's core and fusion processes, confirming current understanding of these phenomena.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Patient safety in hospitals still a concern

A new study published in Health Affairs highlights the importance of improving nurse work environments and adequate staffing in reducing patient harm. Hospitals that implemented these changes saw significant improvements in patient safety indicators, while those that didn't experienced worsening care environments.

Study: There's real skill in fantasy sports

A new MIT study suggests that most fantasy sports, including football, baseball, basketball, and hockey, are contests that reward skill over chance. The researchers analyzed thousands of fantasy players' win/loss records over multiple seasons, finding a clear signal for skill in the data.

Peak performance: new stellarator experiments show promising results

The Wendelstein 7-X superconducting stellarator successfully completes its first operational phase, demonstrating stable and high-density plasma conditions. The experiment's goal is to achieve temperatures of over 10 million degrees in plasmas using microwaves, a crucial step towards realizing fusion power.

Team studying rare disorder discovers novel way to target melanoma

A team of researchers from the University of North Texas Health Science Center discovered a new approach to combating melanoma by targeting the NGLY1 protein. The study found that when normal cells are inhibited, they survive, but cancer cells with low or no NGLY1 activity die quickly.

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.

Timely care key to improving survival rates and racial disparities

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients who receive timely care have better survival rates compared to those with delayed care. MUSC researchers found that African American patients are disproportionately affected by delays in treatment, highlighting the need for coordinated action to address this issue.

Stroke survivors and those at risk urged to focus on yoga and tai chi

A new study suggests that mindfulness-based interventions like yoga and tai chi can lower blood pressure, improve diabetics' health, and boost antioxidants. These practices may help reduce stroke risk by mitigating key factors such as hypertension, fatty acids, and blood sugar levels.

Hospital admissions for AFib rise with daylight saving time transition

Researchers found a significant increase in AFib hospital admissions following the springtime transition, suggesting that daylight saving time transitions have negative health consequences. The study analyzed nearly 6,300 records of patients admitted to Montefiore Medical Center for AFib between 2009 and 2016.

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.

Coping with errors in the quantum age

ETH Zurich researchers have demonstrated a novel quantum error correction technique that can monitor and correct errors in real-time. The technique, which uses trapped ions to encode quantum information, has been successfully tested with repeated measurements on the same system, exceeding previous experimental limits.

Caterpillar, fungus in cahoots to threaten fruit, nut crops, study finds

Scientists have discovered that a fungus and a caterpillar are in a symbiotic relationship, allowing the caterpillar to thrive in orchards while also helping the fungus spread. The navel orangeworm caterpillar can metabolize aflatoxins produced by the Aspergillus flavus fungus, making it immune to its toxic effects.

Peers, student attitudes, and student deviance in Japan and the United States

This study examines the relationship between peer reactions, peer behavior, student attitudes, and student deviance in Japan and the US. It finds that peer reactions more strongly predict student attitudes toward deviance in both countries, while peer deviance predicts student deviance in the US more strongly than in Japan.

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.

BU: Twitter users spreading sexual violence prevention strategies

A study by Boston University School of Public Health found that Twitter users proposed many effective strategies to prevent sexual violence, but also perpetuated misinformation and myths. The researchers analyzed over 1,400 tweets using the #HowIWillChange hashtag and identified gaps in prevention strategies.

The reasons for hemispheric dominance in the brain

Biopsychologists demonstrate that subtle timing differences in the right hemisphere allow it to control specific functions, while the left hemisphere delays its activity. The study reveals a sophisticated mechanism underlying hemispheric dominance.

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.

Recreating the sound of the Islamic past of the Mosque of Cordoba

A study by University of Seville researchers uses acoustic simulation to analyze the variation of sound perception areas within the Mosque of Cordoba. The findings reveal differences in acoustics due to successive expansions, with notable degradation in areas furthest from the qibla wall.

Teachers and Trump

A new study from Michigan State University found that teachers felt immense pressure to respond in a certain way to the 2016 presidential election. Researchers argue that neutrality in the classroom is not an effective teaching tactic and can marginalize certain groups.

New efficiency record set for perovskite LEDs

Perovskite LEDs have achieved close to 100% internal luminescence efficiency, opening up applications in displays, lighting, and communications. The devices outperform conventional OLEDs in terms of light-emission efficiency due to a composite layer of perovskites with an insulating polymer.

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.

William Muñoz receives Nemko Prize in Cellular or Molecular Neuroscience

William Muñoz has been awarded the Nemko Prize for his innovative method of recording cortical neurons, which allows scientists to examine the functional architecture of the cortex in awake, behaving mice. His work reveals a new mechanism by which the cerebral cortex processes and integrates information.