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Science News Archive November 2018 - Page 15


Page 15 of 42

Researchers discover a new gear in life's clock: Vitamin D

Researchers discovered vitamin D is essential for embryonic development and dormancy in fish, a trait conserved across species. This finding could lead to better understanding of dormancy mechanisms and their applications in human health.

SourcePortland State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 2018

Current climate models underestimate warming by black carbon aerosol

Researchers have discovered a universal power law describing black carbon's light absorption, which could help climate scientists build more accurate models. The findings suggest that warming due to black carbon may have been underestimated by current climate models.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 19, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

MDMA makes people cooperative, but not gullible

The study found that MDMA increases activity in brain regions linked to social processing, particularly when interacting with trustworthy players. This suggests that MDMA may be a valuable tool in treating psychiatric conditions like PTSD by enhancing cooperation and rebuilding relationships.

SourceKing's College London·DateNov 19, 2018

Household fuels and air pollution in China

The nationwide average exposure to PM2.5 in China decreased significantly between 2005 and 2015, mainly attributed to declining household solid fuel use. Researchers estimate that replacing all remaining household solid fuels with clean energy sources could prevent an additional half-million premature deaths per year.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 2018

Dementia associated with most deaths of older adults with down syndrome

A recent study published in JAMA Neurology reveals that adults with Down syndrome are more likely to die from dementia, highlighting the importance of studying disease progression and potential treatments for this population. The study, which included 211 adults, found that 70% of those who died had dementia.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateNov 19, 2018

Teens increasingly choose pot over alcohol, cigarettes

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that teens increasingly choose pot over alcohol and cigarettes. The average school grade during which young people first tried alcohol and cigarettes has increased, with a significant drop in the proportion who used cigarettes before marijuana.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateNov 19, 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.

Hidden giants in forest soils

Researchers have discovered 16 novel giant viruses in a forest soil ecosystem, more than doubling the known giant virus diversity. These viruses were found using a non-standard approach that involved flow-sorting microbes into small pools, revealing a wealth of giant viruses previously overlooked.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 19, 2018

NRL demonstrates new non-mechanical laser steering technology

Scientists at NRL have developed a chip-based beam steering technology that steers laser light in two dimensions without mechanical devices, offering improved steering capability and higher scan speed rates. The new technology has potential applications in chemical sensing, monitoring emissions, and other industrial facilities.

SourceNaval Research Laboratory·JournalJournal of the Optical Society of America·DateNov 19, 2018

What smart hazmat suits and Sonora cactus skins have in common

Researchers discovered that Sonora cactus pads undergo complex microscale, seasonal and age-related wettability changes. This unique characteristic is now being applied to develop smart materials for hazmat suits, which will preserve water while allowing vapor and heat transfer.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 19, 2018

Hydraulic fracturing and water quality

A study in central Pennsylvania found chemical and isotopic evidence of upward methane migration from the Marcellus shale, suggesting geochemical indicators for distinguishing recent methane contamination. The research also identified geological features facilitating methane migration near hydraulically fractured shale gas wells.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 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.

Using Skype to beat the blues

A study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that video chat technology, such as Skype, significantly reduces the risk of depression among older adults. Researchers compared four online communication technologies and discovered that video chat had almost half the estimated probability of depressive symptoms.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateNov 19, 2018

Scientists trained a computer to classify breast cancer tumors

Scientists at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center develop a computer algorithm to analyze breast cancer images and identify tumor characteristics. The AI system achieves high accuracy in distinguishing between low-intermediate and high-grade tumors, as well as estrogen receptor status and molecular subtypes.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·Journalnpj Breast Cancer·DateNov 19, 2018

Color vision variation in guppies influences female mate preference

Research reveals that variation in opsin gene expression affects guppy females' preferences for male orange colors, highlighting the interplay between visual properties and mate choice. Genetic polymorphisms and environmental factors contribute to differing light sensitivity, driving the evolution of diverse male sexual colors.

SourceTohoku University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 2018

Greenhouse gases triggering more changes than we can handle

A new study reveals that climate change is impacting human health, food supply, infrastructure, and economy through 467 ways, including warming, drought, heatwaves, wildfires, precipitation, floods, and sea level rise. By 2100, the number of hazards occurring concurrently will increase, making it difficult for people to cope.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 19, 2018
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.

Mutation that causes autism and intellectual disability makes brain less flexible

A study published in Nature Neuroscience found that mice with a SETD5 mutation have brains less flexible, leading to difficulties in forming new memories and adapting to situations. The researchers also discovered that the gene cooperates with other proteins to regulate gene expression during learning and memory formation.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 19, 2018

Astronomers discover giant relic of disrupted 'tadpole' galaxy

A team of astronomers has identified a giant disrupted 'tadpole' galaxy 300 million light years away, with an elliptical head and a long straight tail. The galaxy is ten times larger than the Milky Way and contains a system of two close disc galaxies.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateNov 19, 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.

'Magnetic topological insulator' makes its own magnetic field

Researchers discovered a two-dimensional material that can become a magnetic topological insulator even without an external magnetic field. The material, chromium triiodide (CrI3), exhibits collective spin excitations called magnons, which behave similarly to photon waves.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateNov 19, 2018

Where the brain turns quality and quantity into value

Researchers pinpointed the anterior cingulate cortex as the brain region responsible for integrating disparate information to inform 'on-the-fly' decision-making. Activity in this region was associated with combining quality and quantity, while other areas linked to interaction between these factors were also activated.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateNov 19, 2018

4,000-year-old termite mounds found in Brazil are visible from space

Researchers found vast network of interconnected termite mounds in northeastern Brazil, covering area similar to Great Britain, with soil excavated over 10 cubic kilometers. The mounds are up to 4,000 years old and were formed by a single termite species that accessed dead leaves safely.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 19, 2018

Digital offense: Anonymity dulls our moral outrage

New research reveals that people react less strongly to malicious speech on digital platforms, seeing victims as less harmed. The study found mixed results but suggests anonymity can dampen social cues, leading to numbing effects from online harassment.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateNov 19, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Let's draw!: New deep learning technique for realistic caricature art

A team of computer scientists developed a novel deep learning-based approach to automatically generate realistic caricatures from portraits. Their method, called CariGANs, successfully generated clearer and more accurate caricature depictions that resemble hand-drawn artwork by professionals.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateNov 19, 2018

Widely used reference for the human genome is missing 300 million bits of DNA

A team of Johns Hopkins scientists analyzed DNA sequences from 910 individuals of African descent and found 300 million base pairs of genetic material missing from the current human genome reference. This discovery highlights the need for more diverse reference genomes to better understand genetic variations across populations.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 19, 2018

Critical collections

Research highlights creative uses of biological collections to understand global change, including study of microbial diversity from museum specimens. Biological collections are threatened by digitization and destruction, but preserving them is essential for unlocking their hidden data and understanding the history of life on Earth.

SourceHarvard University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateNov 19, 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.

The subtle science of wok tossing

Researchers at Georgia Tech discover that wok tossing is a critical aspect of cooking fried rice, involving two oscillating motions: translational and rotational. By understanding these motions, they aim to develop robotic designs for automated fried rice cooking.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 19, 2018

Dogs know when they don't know

Researchers found that dogs search for additional information significantly more often when they have not seen where the reward is hidden. However, their searching flexibility was limited compared to primates and humans.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalLearning & Behavior·DateNov 19, 2018

Bending light around tight corners without backscattering losses

Researchers at Duke University have demonstrated a photonic crystal waveguide that directs photons of light around sharp corners with virtually no losses due to backscattering. This breakthrough enables the development of efficient light-based computing systems, which could replace electronic devices and save energy.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 19, 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.

Healthcare providers -- not hackers -- leak more of your data

A new study from Michigan State University and Johns Hopkins University found that more than half of recent healthcare data breaches were caused by internal negligence, rather than external hackers. The research identified six common categories of internal factors contributing to these breaches.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 19, 2018

UCI and Singapore researchers find source of 2015 Southeast Asia smoke cloud

Researchers from UCI and Singapore find that widespread fires in Indonesia's peatlands, which are hundreds to thousands of years old, were the main source of severe air pollution in Southeast Asia. The team's analysis confirms human activities as the primary cause of these environmental catastrophes.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 2018

Spanking in developing countries does more harm than good

A new University of Michigan study suggests that spanking may be more harmful for children in developing countries than previously thought. The research, which analyzed data from 62 countries, found a link between physical discipline and lower social development among young children.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateNov 19, 2018

Research offers hope for simpler cancer diagnosis and treatment

Researchers have developed a technique to isolate circulating tumor cells from blood, allowing for the analysis of protein makeup without biopsies. This could lead to more effective therapies and better patient outcomes by monitoring treatment progress remotely.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateNov 19, 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.

From receptor structure to new osteoporosis drugs

Researchers have determined the three-dimensional structure of the PTH-1 receptor, a protein fragment involved in bone loss. This breakthrough enables the development of new drugs that may slow down or reverse osteoporosis without its current treatment's disadvantages.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateNov 19, 2018

New research questions role of gut parasite in intestinal diseases such as IBS

A new study from the University of Kent has found that a common gut parasite, Blastocystis, can survive under conditions with increased oxygen levels, contrary to previous thinking. This discovery could provide insights into its role in intestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateNov 19, 2018

Public perspectives on food risks

A survey of 2,537 US adults found that roughly half believe the average person faces a serious health risk from food additives over their lifetime. Similarly, about half think genetically modified foods are worse for one's health. Women and those with low science knowledge tend to express more concern about these issues.

SourcePew Research Center·DateNov 19, 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.

Seeing is believing: Monitoring real time changes during cell division

Scientists at Lancaster University created a fluorescent biosensor to visualize cilia and cell division simultaneously, enabling the study of their interplay in development, regeneration, and disease. This new tool will help researchers understand how changes in cilia dynamics affect cell division speed and tissue development.

SourceLancaster University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateNov 19, 2018

Preserving shoulder function, quality of life, in breast cancer patients

Research reveals that women who undergo reconstructive surgeries using a large back muscle after radiation therapy experience significant losses in shoulder stability and function. Conversely, other methods such as pectoral muscle rebuild and abdominal tissue transfer produce equally good results for future shoulder function.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateNov 19, 2018

Ambitious new research center will push the boundaries of skin research

The LEO Foundation Skin Immunology Research Center will bring together leading researchers to provide new knowledge for better diagnoses and treatments of psoriasis and eczema. The center aims to strengthen the immune system's fight against over 3,000 known skin diseases.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·DateNov 19, 2018

Glucose binding molecule could transform the treatment of diabetes

Scientists from the University of Bristol have designed a new synthetic glucose binding molecule platform that brings us closer to developing the world's first glucose-responsive insulin. This innovation could eliminate hypoglycemia and provide better metabolic control for people living with diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 19, 2018

When it comes to love: Personality matters: QUT research

A new QUT study reveals that men with a range of personality traits, particularly extraversion and emotional stability, tend to engage in sex more frequently. These individuals are also more likely to produce offspring. For women, being agreeable is linked to having more children.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateNov 19, 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.

Powerful new map depicts environmental degradation across Earth

A powerful new map by the University of Cincinnati illustrates dramatic changes in land use over the last quarter century, showing widespread deforestation and urbanization. The map highlights the devastating effects of climate change on the environment, including the shrinking Aral Sea and growing desertification in the Sahara Desert.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation·DateNov 19, 2018

Genetic retroelements in eukaryotic evolution

Researchers discovered genetic retroelements copying into and harming bacterial genomes, indicating a potential role in eukaryotic cell emergence. The study suggests an interplay between DNA repair mechanisms and retroelements may have driven evolutionary pressures.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 2018
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.

Four Argonne technologies receive 2018 R&D 100 Awards

Argonne researchers develop HyMag magnets increasing electric motor efficiency; Darshan software optimizes scientific data access; GRID-M provides near-real-time disaster supply chain status; Swift/T enables large-scale supercomputer calculations. These technologies have been recognized for their impact on various industries and fields

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateNov 19, 2018

Skeletal imitation reveals how bones grow atom-by-atom

The study reveals how calcium phosphate molecules crystallize and build up into a perfectly arranged bone structure. Researchers used an artificial biomaterial to mimic natural bone tissue functions, allowing them to study the phenomenon at an atomic level.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 19, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Two thirds of required pediatric post-marketing drug studies are missing

A new study found that only about a third of mandatory pediatric post-marketing drug studies were completed within seven years, leading to a lack of child-specific information on medication labels. This perpetuates off-label prescribing that may be unsafe or ineffective for children.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateNov 19, 2018