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Science News Archive November 2018


Page 39 of 42

WSU researchers see cognitive changes in offspring of heavy cannabis-using rats

Researchers at Washington State University have found that heavy cannabis use during pregnancy can affect the cognitive development of offspring. The study used a new model of exposure to recreate human-like cannabis use and found that rats exposed to high amounts of cannabis had trouble adjusting their strategy to get rewards.

Realizing the potential of gene therapy for neurological disorders

New research presents promising results from preclinical studies using gene therapy to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological disorders. Gene therapy has been successfully used to slow disease progression and improve symptoms in mouse models.

Trial finds diet rich in fish helps fight asthma

A clinical trial found that eating fish twice a week as part of a Mediterranean diet can significantly decrease lung inflammation in children with mild asthma. The study involved 64 children from Greece and showed improved lung function after six months.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Griffith precision measurement takes it to the limit

Researchers at Griffith University have developed a procedure for making precise measurements of speed, acceleration and material properties possible. Using photons and entanglement, they achieved sensitivity approaching the Heisenberg limit, outperforming previous experiments.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Solitary confinement puts brains at risk

The practice of solitary confinement has been shown to alter brain structures and behaviors, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. As social isolation becomes a growing problem in the US, scientists and experts are exploring ways to mitigate its effects.

New genetic cause of liver fat uncovered

Researchers found three genetic variations linked to increased liver fat, which could lead to new treatment options for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study, led by Westmead Institute for Medical Research, identified the mechanisms behind hepatic steatosis, a major risk factor for NAFLD.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Genetic risk factor for CTE detected

A genetic variation in TMEM106B has been identified as a potential risk factor for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) disease severity and pathology. The study found that this variation may predict increased CTE pathology and brain inflammation, and is associated with a higher risk of developing dementia.

Half as many US children die from firearm injuries where gun laws are strictest

A new study presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics conference found a strong correlation between state-level gun legislation and pediatric firearm mortality rates. States with stricter gun laws had significantly lower firearm-related fatalities among children, even after adjusting for poverty, unemployment, and education rates.

Nature of immune cells in the human brain disclosed

A study published in Nature Communications reveals the nature of immune cells in the human brain, including their location and function. The research provides valuable insights into the immune system's role in brain disorders such as multiple sclerosis and tumors.

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.

Soft furniture doesn't cushion risk of falls by young children

A study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that over 230,000 children under 5 are treated in hospital emergency departments each year for soft furniture-related injuries. Children under 1 year old were more than twice as likely to be hospitalized and boys accounted for 56% of cases.

What's in the air? There's more to it than we thought

Scientists have discovered that organic aerosols in the atmosphere are more varied and complex than previously thought. Analyzing air samples from forests and urban environments, researchers found that up to 70% of compounds changed over consecutive samples, highlighting the need for improved air pollution control policies.

Molecular virologist fights influenza at the molecular level

Researchers have identified two small-molecule experimental inhibitors that target the influenza protein NS1, which plays a crucial role in blocking the body's immune response. The study's findings provide strong evidence for the mechanism of action of these compounds and offer significant structural insights into NS1.

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.

Voters' preexisting opinions shift to align with political party positions

A longitudinal study of voters in New Zealand found that participants tended to shift their opinions to align with those of their preferred political party. Strong supporters of a party were more likely to change their opinions over time, while those whose opinions were already aligned with the party position were less likely to shift.

Lateral inhibition keeps similar memories apart

The dentate gyrus uses a process called pattern separation to store distinct memories of similar events. Researchers found that parvalbumin-expressing interneurons play a key role in this process, using lateral inhibition to keep similar memories apart.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Disorder plays a key role in phase transitions of materials

Researchers used a new technique to examine the crystal structure of Vanadium Dioxide (VO2) and found that atomic motions during phase transitions are disordered, contradicting previous assumptions. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of complex materials such as high-temperature superconductors.

RIT collaborates on multi-university research exploring the quantum world

A Rochester Institute of Technology researcher is collaborating on a multi-university project exploring quantum science in levitated mechanical systems. The project aims to create and sustain a quantum state with levitated optomechanics using advanced sensing designs based on the 'optical tweezers' technique.

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.

Most children surveyed couldn't tell real guns from toy guns

A study found that only 41% of children aged 7-17 correctly identified both real and toy guns. The researchers emphasize the need for safe firearm storage in homes where children live or play, especially among gun owners who were more likely to let their children play with toy guns.

How one tough shrub could help fight hunger in Africa

A new study has found that a native shrub can effectively share its water with millet plants, boosting production by over 900%. The optimized shrub system involves increasing shrub density and fertilizing the ground with organic matter, improving soil quality and yields.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Tying the knot: New DNA nanostructures

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to create complex knot-like nanostructures in single-stranded DNA, with crossing numbers ranging from 9 to 57. This breakthrough enables the design of molecular structures with specific functions and unprecedented complexity.

Injury to a parent can lead to sleep issues in children and teens

Children whose parents are injured may experience altered sleep habits due to post-traumatic stress disorder from military combat. Researchers found a 48% increase in sleep visits among these children, with some experiencing increased symptoms of insomnia and restlessness.

Gene PPM1D gives stem cells a 'winning boost' after chemotherapy

A study published in Cell Stem Cell found that the PPM1D gene confers a survival advantage to blood cells exposed to chemotherapy, potentially favoring the development of secondary leukemia. The research suggests that the presence of this gene and other mutations should be considered when choosing chemotherapies.

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.

Molecular biology: Phaser neatly arranges nucleosomes

A team of researchers has discovered a novel protein called Phaser that neatly arranges nucleosomes in the fruit fly genome. This finding sheds new light on how gene regulation is controlled, and could have important implications for our understanding of human disease.

Online program helps prevent teen depression

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago conducted a multicenter, randomized clinical trial evaluating an online intervention called CATCH-IT. The study found that high-risk adolescents who participated in the CATCH-IT program demonstrated significant risk reduction for depressive episodes, with up to 80% reduction in risk.

Training with states of matter search algorithm enables neuron model pruning

The new algorithm simplifies neural models through synaptic pruning and dendritic pruning procedures, resulting in simplified structures that can be implemented as logic circuits. These circuits achieved satisfactory classification accuracy on benchmark problems, suggesting potential for solving complex real-world problems with high ha...

Researchers discover potential antidote to botulism

Scientists have discovered a compound that strongly inhibits botulinum neurotoxin, potentially reversing paralysis caused by the toxin. Nitrophenyl psoralen, identified through high-throughput screening of natural compounds, shows powerful anti-botulinum toxin activity with low toxicity to human cells.

For older adults, does eating enough protein help delay disability?

A recent study found that eating more protein can slow the loss of muscle mass and preserve daily activity abilities in older adults. The researchers examined data from the Newcastle 85+ Study and discovered that participants who ate more protein were less likely to become disabled over five years.

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.

One step closer to complex quantum teleportation

Researchers successfully generate three-photon entanglement in three dimensions, increasing information capacity and paving the way for future technologies such as quantum computers and encryption. This breakthrough could enable teleportation of complex quantum systems and has significant implications for quantum communication networks.

ACL re-injury appears to be a subject of 'relative risk'

A recent study presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition found that children with a family history of ACL tears are more likely to experience complications requiring additional surgical repair. The research examined data from 425 childhood patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction and foun...

Exploring the structure and properties of new graphene-like polymers

Researchers at Siberian Federal University have created a new class of two-dimensional materials called circulenes, which exhibit high stability, symmetry, and optical properties. These materials show promise for nanoelectronics applications, including solar cells and organic LEDs, with advantages over traditional materials like silicon.

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.

Fleets of drones could aid searches for lost hikers

Researchers develop autonomous drone system that collaboratively maps terrain under dense forest canopies without GPS, enabling more efficient searches for lost hikers. The system uses LIDAR and path-planning software to fuse individual drone maps into a global 3D map, facilitating human rescuers.

Ring-shaped protein complex wrangles DNA

Researchers at Rice University have discovered the structure of the condensin protein complex, a ring-shaped protein that helps condense chromosomes. The finding settles a long-standing controversy over the mechanism by which the complex wrangles DNA, and provides insight into its activity during mitosis and cell life cycles.

Racial, ethnic minorities face greater vulnerability to wildfires

A new study reveals that racial and ethnic minorities face greater vulnerability to wildfires, with Native Americans being six times more likely to live in high-risk areas. The research used a 'vulnerability index' to assess wildfire risk in communities across the US, integrating physical risk with social and economic resilience.

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.

Russian physicists upgrade cheap diode laser for use in precise measurements

Researchers have developed a method to narrow the emission spectrum of an ordinary diode laser, making it suitable for spectroscopic chemical analysis. The technique uses optical microresonators to generate frequency combs, which can be used in applications such as security monitoring systems and lidars for self-driving cars.