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Science News Archive November 2018 - Page 10


Page 10 of 42

Intermittent fasting: No advantage over conventional weight loss diets

A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that intermittent fasting has no advantage over conventional calorie restriction diets for weight loss and improved health outcomes. The HELENA study, which followed 150 overweight participants for a year, showed similar results for both dietary methods in ter...

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 26, 2018

LGB students at higher risk of self-harm

Researchers at Lancaster University and other institutions found LGB students are more likely to experience self-harm and suicidal thoughts due to low self-esteem. The study highlights the need for targeted support and prevention efforts in universities and public policy to address discrimination and improve acceptance of LGB individuals.

SourceLancaster University·JournalArchives of Suicide Research·DateNov 26, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Trazadone associated with similar risk of falls and major fractures as antipsychotics in seniors with dementia

New research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that trazadone is associated with a comparable risk of falls and major osteoporotic fractures to atypical antipsychotics. This finding challenges the assumption that trazodone is a safer alternative for treating behavioral symptoms in seniors with dementia.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 26, 2018

Lung disease in middle age may be a risk factor for dementia later in life

Research found that lung disease, including restrictive and obstructive conditions, is associated with a greater risk of developing dementia. The study analyzed data from over 14,000 participants and found that low lung function was linked to an increased risk of dementia.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 26, 2018

Six feet under, a new approach to global warming

Researchers estimate that soil can retain about 600 billion metric tons of carbon, more than twice the amount added to the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution. This pathway relies on water dissolving organic carbon and transporting it deep into the soil, where it is bound to minerals.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 26, 2018
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.

Family matters for future wealth

Research using actual income numbers from two generations of Australians found that family structure matters when it comes to income mobility. The study estimated the intergenerational elasticity of income in Australia at 0.4, indicating a moderate level of income advantage or disadvantage being transferred across generations.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalEconomic Record·DateNov 25, 2018

One in 5 young adults in India has high blood pressure

A recent study found that high blood pressure affects around 19% of Indian adults, with diabetes being a major risk factor. Screening for hypertension should start at age 18-19 and include education on healthy lifestyles to prevent the condition.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateNov 25, 2018

Gip1 structure places G proteins in lockdown

Researchers at Osaka University have discovered the structure of Gip1, a protein that sequesters G proteins to block signaling processes. The unique molecular bonding arrangement allows interactions with G proteins, providing a better understanding of their mechanism.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 25, 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.

Biorefining of microalgae

A team of researchers at the University of Konstanz is developing an integrated biorefining process to produce chemical building blocks from microalgae. The process uses supercritical carbon dioxide as a solvent and aims to simplify the extraction stage, making it more eco-friendly and efficient.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·DateNov 23, 2018

Ultracold quantum mix

A team of researchers has successfully created a Bose-Einstein condensate of Dysprosium and Erbium atoms, demonstrating quantum degeneracy of these species. This achievement opens up novel research possibilities for dipolar quantum matter due to the long-range interaction among the two species.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 23, 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.

Can Superman trigger heroic helping in people?

Priming individuals with superhero images, such as Superman, increases their likelihood of engaging in prosocial behaviors. However, the study found no direct effect on perceptions of meaning in life. The research used both self-reported and actual helping behavior experiments to explore this phenomenon.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateNov 23, 2018

ECDC issues integrated hepatitis and HIV testing Guidance

The ECDC Guidance promotes integrated testing strategies to reduce undiagnosed cases of hepatitis B, C, and HIV. The guidance outlines key principles, including accessibility, confidentiality, and linkage to care, to improve public health outcomes by 2030.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·DateNov 23, 2018
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.

Ocean circulation in North Atlantic at its weakest

A recent study by HKU researchers found that ocean circulation in the North Atlantic is at its weakest since the past 1,500 years. The weakening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is attributed to global warming and associated melt of the Greenland Ice-Sheet, which has significant implications for climate change.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 23, 2018

Scientists designed nanocontainers for bacterial metabolism control

Researchers from ITMO University developed nanocontainers that can translate light signals into metabolic changes in bacteria, opening a new way to control bacterial growth. The containers are made of titanium dioxide nanoparticles coated with silver and polymers, and can be used for controlled drug delivery.

SourceITMO University·JournalBioconjugate Chemistry·DateNov 23, 2018

NASA finds a cloud-filled eye in Typhoon Man-yi

Typhoon Man-yi's eye has become cloud-filled due to outside winds, indicating a weakening storm. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts the storm will make a sharp turn to the northeast and pass east of Okinawa Island, Japan.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 23, 2018
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.

Establishing a universal forensic DNA database

A universal forensic DNA database could alleviate challenges and controversy surrounding law enforcement's use of public and private genomic data. The proposed database would contain only a small subset of genetic markers, revealing less sensitive medical information.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 22, 2018

Revealed: 35 kidney genes linked to chronic kidney disease risk

An international study has discovered 35 kidney genes linked to chronic kidney disease risk, bringing a step closer to understanding, diagnosing, and preventing the disease. The study used next-generation RNA sequencing on one of the largest collections of human kidneys.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 22, 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.

A large volcanic eruption shook Deception Island 3,980 years ago

A 3,980-year-old volcanic eruption on Deception Island had a Volcanic Explosive Index of 6 and ejected 30-60 cubic kilometers of ash. The caldera collapse triggered a seismic event and had significant climatic impacts in the southern region.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 22, 2018

Danger in the desert

Researchers at German Primate Center found that MERS virus mutations make it more resistant to the human immune system. This could lead to a rise in severe cases and potentially trigger a pandemic.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalJournal of Virology·DateNov 22, 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.

Sperm count 50 percent lower in sons of fathers who smoke

Research at Lund University discovered a link between fathers' smoking habits and son's sperm count, with men whose fathers smoked having 41% lower sperm concentration. The study adjusted for maternal nicotine exposure and socioeconomic factors.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 22, 2018

Could an anti-global warming atmospheric spraying program really work?

A hypothetical 'solar geoengineering' project aiming to halve anthropogenic radiative forcing by injecting sulphates into the lower stratosphere is technically possible, but unreasonably costly with current technology. The estimated development costs for an airframe and engine modifications are under $2 billion.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 22, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Microglia react distinctively during inflammation

Researchers from the Luxembourg Institute of Health uncover distinct microglial signatures in response to acute inflammation, highlighting potential benefits for resolving inflammation. Their single-cell transcriptomic study provides new resources for understanding brain disorders and developing novel therapeutic strategies.

SourceLuxembourg Institute of Health·JournalEMBO Reports·DateNov 22, 2018

Research sheds new light on how the microbiome is involved in obesity

Scientists have discovered that specific molecules produced by intestinal bacteria are altered during three instances associated with human obesity. The study also found that the gut microbiome undergoes fluctuations in a 24-hour rhythm and influences circadian biology, predisposing individuals to obesity and glucose intolerance.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateNov 22, 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.

For ants, unity is strength -- and health

Researchers found that ants' subdivision into groups reduces disease risk by changing behavior and interaction patterns. Colonies protect the queen and most valuable individuals from pathogens, with a high correlation between predicted spore load and mortality.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalScience·DateNov 22, 2018

When working ants take a sick day, the whole colony benefits

When working ants take a sick day, they alter their social interactions to protect vulnerable members. By changing their behavior, the colony reduces the risk of fungal infection and maintains social distancing.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 22, 2018

Corals and their microbiomes evolved together, new research shows

The study found that the microbial communities of corals' calcium carbonate skeletons showed greater richness compared to tissue and mucus microbiomes. This suggests that co-evolution between corals and their microbiomes occurred over time, with specific groups of microbes evolving together more recently.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 22, 2018
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.

A hydrogel that adheres firmly to cartilage and meniscus

Researchers at EPFL have developed a biocompatible hydrogel that naturally adheres to cartilage and the meniscus, eliminating the need for special membranes and sutures. The composite double-network hydrogel has shown superior adhesive properties and is poised to revolutionize treatment for soft tissue injuries.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 22, 2018

Human ancestors not to blame for ancient mammal extinctions in Africa

A study by University of Utah researchers suggests that grassland expansion, driven by falling atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, drove the decline of giant mammals over the last 4.6 million years. The research provides a convincing counter-argument to long-held views on human ancestors' impact on ancient African faunas.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateNov 22, 2018

Better understanding of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) regulation can lead to new insights into disease

Researchers have gained a better understanding of how cells regulate hydrogen peroxide, an intracellular messenger linked to several diseases. This discovery may enable the development of more sensitive and specific fluorescent biosensors to visualize endogenous H2O2 in real-time.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 22, 2018
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Transparent fruit flies

Scientists have made fruit flies transparent using a new clearing method, allowing for high-resolution imaging of complex neural networks. This breakthrough enables the study of the connectome and behavior of Drosophila melanogaster, with potential applications in understanding neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 22, 2018

Gigantic mammal 'cousin' discovered

Researchers at Uppsala University discovered a new species of gigantic dicynodont, Lisowicia bojani, in Poland. The species is estimated to be around 4.5 meters long, 2.6 meters high, and weigh 9 tons, making it the largest non-dinosaurian terrestrial tetrapod from the Triassic period.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience·DateNov 22, 2018

Molecular motors: Chemical carousel rotates in the cold

Researchers at LMU München developed a molecular motor that can rotate unidirectionally in response to external energy input and is independent of temperature. The new motor's unique behavior allows it to rotate faster at lower temperatures, extending its potential applications.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 22, 2018

Scientists from CMU and NTU Singapore discover how mechanical strain shapes plants

The study reveals that biomechanical factors play a crucial role in shaping plant organs, with mechanical stress and deformation influencing leaf geometry. The research provides insights into the formation of complex 3D shapes in plants, which can inform the creation of bioinspired structures in soft materials like hydrogels.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 22, 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.

Environmental change, not hominin hunters, drove the demise of African megaherbivores

A new study challenges the traditional hypothesis that ancient hominins led to the decline of African megaherbivores. The research reveals that environmental changes, such as changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide and tropical grassland expansion, drove the long-term decline of these large-bodied species over 7 million years.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 22, 2018

Small RNA renders bacteria more resistant to antibiotics

Researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum have identified a small RNA molecule that significantly affects antibiotic resistance in soil bacteria. Without this molecule, the bacteria are more sensitive to penicillins and produce less of the enzyme degrading these antibiotics.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalmBio·DateNov 22, 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.

Leukemia epigenetics in focus

UK researchers identify molecules that can effectively inhibit dysregulated proteins responsible for acute myeloid leukemia, a severe and rapidly progressing cancer type. The discovery sets the stage for new biological experiments and cancer treatment approaches.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 22, 2018