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Science News Archive November 2018 - Page 16


Page 16 of 42

Childhood trauma and psychosis

Individuals with childhood trauma exhibit decreased hippocampal volume and correlations with high blood oxidation status, differing from those without trauma. This redox dysregulation may lead to distinct symptom profiles and cognitive deficits in psychosis patients.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

The power of social support

A recent study on wild spotted hyaenas found that females dominate males because they receive more social support. The research revealed that social support is a key factor in determining dominance relationships between the sexes.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 19, 2018

Princeton geneticist solves long-standing finch beak mystery

Bridgett vonHoldt and Tom Smith used Mendelian genetics to identify the gene IGF-1 associated with bill size in black-bellied seedcrackers. The study found a 3:1 pattern of inheritance, where large beaks were dominant over small beaks.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 19, 2018

Mount Sinai researchers study second-hand marijuana smoke in children

A study published in Pediatrics found that nearly half of children exposed to second-hand marijuana smoke had detectable levels of THC, a reliable indicator of exposure. Researchers also discovered that third-hand smoke exposure can occur when individuals smoke and the residue lingers on their skin, hair, or clothes.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 19, 2018

Major natural carbon sink may soon become carbon source

Climate researchers warn that peatlands in the Peruvian Amazon may lose up to 500 million tons of carbon by the end of the century due to warmer temperatures and increased precipitation. This loss could lead to a significant increase in global carbon emissions, exacerbating climate change.

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

Sexual orientation identified as a risk factor in opioid misuse

A new study reveals that adults identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual are more likely to misuse opioids than heterosexual counterparts. Women who identify as bisexual are particularly at increased risk, with twice the likelihood of misuse compared to other groups.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·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.

Cosmic serpent

The ESO's VLT captured the details of an elaborate serpentine system sculpted by colliding stellar winds, with Apep being a likely source of one of the most energetic phenomena in the Universe. The system consists of a nest of massive stars surrounded by a dust pinwheel.

SourceESO·JournalNature Astronomy·DateNov 19, 2018

RNAi therapy mitigates preeclampsia symptoms in UMass Medical School study

Researchers at UMass Medical School developed an siRNA therapy that reduces circulating sFLT1 levels and normalizes blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnant mice. The therapy shows promise as a potential strategy for treating preeclampsia in humans, but further studies are needed to optimize safety and efficacy.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalNature Biotechnology·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.

'Druggable' cancer target found in pathway regulating organ size

A team of researchers at Boston Children's Hospital has identified NUAK2 as a critical player in the Hippo pathway, which drives YAP-driven tumors. Inactivating NUAK2 with a small molecule compound strongly curbs cancer cell proliferation and liver overgrowth.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 19, 2018

Local drivers of amplified Arctic warming

A new study reveals that Arctic amplification is primarily driven by local carbon dioxide forcing and polar feedbacks, outweighing other processes. This finding highlights the importance of understanding Arctic processes in controlling sea-ice retreat and ecosystem sensitivity to global warming.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 19, 2018

Study reveals importance of 'cryptic connections' in disease transmission

A new study of disease transmission in bats has quantified unseen interactions that play a crucial role in the spread of disease through populations and between species. The researchers found that infrequent and indirect connections among individuals are far more important in disease transmission than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature·DateNov 19, 2018

Antarctica's hidden landscape shaped by rivers in warmer era

Researchers found that Antarctica's mountains and valleys were formed by rivers, rather than glaciers, in a warmer era. The study suggests that this knowledge could aid in understanding how the ice sheet might respond to continued climate warming.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScottish Geographical Journal·DateNov 19, 2018

Intelligent sprayers poised to transform nursery industry

Researchers developed intelligent spray technology that uses laser and sensors to apply exact amount of pesticide needed, reducing costs by up to 70%. The technology also reduces environmental impact by minimizing drift and loss to the ground.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·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.

Drug used for PTSD may worsen nightmares, not reduce suicidal thoughts

A small pilot study found that prazosin, commonly used to treat high blood pressure and PTSD-related sleep problems, may actually worsen nightmares and insomnia in PTSD patients, rather than reducing suicidal thoughts. The study, led by Dr. W. Vaughn McCall, involved 20 seriously psychiatrically ill patients with active suicidal thoughts.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateNov 19, 2018

Location, location, location

A team of scientists has found that translocating frogs from recovering populations to sites where the species was previously driven to extinction can lead to population recovery. The researchers tracked the health and survival of translocated frogs over several years, uncovering key insights into how disease and climate influence popu...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcosphere·DateNov 19, 2018

Chemistry freed from space and time

Researchers have successfully used remote servers in Japan to autonomously optimize conditions for synthesizing drugs in a British laboratory. The process was controlled over the internet by researchers in the USA, demonstrating the potential of cloud-based approaches for international collaboration and efficient production processes.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 19, 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.

Kindergarten difficulties may predict academic achievement across primary grades

A Penn State study suggests that children's executive functions in kindergarten can predict their mathematics, reading, and science achievement, as well as classroom behavior, in second grade. Deficits in working-memory, a key component of executive functions, are strongly linked to repeated academic difficulties across elementary school.

SourcePenn State·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·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.

How the brain switches between different sets of rules

A new study from MIT has found that a region of the thalamus is key to switching between rules required for different contexts. The mediodorsal thalamus suppresses irrelevant representations, protecting them as short-term memory for reactivation. This process helps maintain neural representations and enables context-dependent actions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 19, 2018

Electrical cable triggers lightweight, fire-resistant cladding discovery

A University of Melbourne researcher has developed an organic, non-combustible and lightweight cladding core using ceramic particles activated by electrical cable insulation. This breakthrough material has been tested to withstand temperatures of 750 degrees Celsius and achieves Australian and International Standards on combustibility.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·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.

Human images from world's first total-body scanner unveiled

The EXPLORER scanner captures a 3-D picture of the whole human body at once, producing images in as little as one second. It can track specially tagged drugs and has countless applications in diagnostics, disease progression, and new drug therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateNov 19, 2018

Less pollution can add a year to the lives of Copenhageners in 2040

Research suggests that reducing nitrogen dioxide pollution in Copenhagen could increase average lifespan by an entire year and lead to improved quality of life. The study found that by 2040, the number of men suffering from cardiovascular diseases could be reduced by 680 per 100,000 men.

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

New drug discovery could halt spread of brain cancer

Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a drug that can block the spread of glioblastoma, the deadliest form of brain cancer, by halting the rapid movement of fluid within the body. The breakthrough finding could lead to improved treatment options for patients with glioblastoma.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 19, 2018

New blood test detects early stage ovarian cancer

A new blood test has been developed to detect early stage ovarian cancer using a bacterial toxin, with the test detecting significant levels of cancer glycan in over 90% of women with stage 1 ovarian cancer. The test also showed 100% accuracy for later stages of the disease and has potential for simple liquid biopsy monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateNov 19, 2018
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.

New report outlines cancer screening's future potential

A new report from the American Cancer Society proposes key areas to advance cancer screening's contribution to cancer control. Research is needed to improve existing screening modalities, quality and performance of current tests, and develop new strategies for cancers amendable to screening.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·DateNov 19, 2018

One in 5 kids with food allergies treated in emergency department in past year

According to the latest national food allergy prevalence survey, nearly 8% of US children (about 5.6 million) have food allergies, with 42% reporting at least one lifetime ED visit for a life-threatening reaction. However, only 40% of these children have a current prescription for an epinephrine auto-injector.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 19, 2018

White matter pathway and individual variability in human stereoacuity

A study found that neural tissue density in a specific white matter pathway, the vertical occipital fasciculus (VOF), correlates with individual differences in stereoacuity. The VOF connects key visual areas involved in stereopsis and is crucial for understanding its neural basis.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 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.

Shoulder 'brightness' on ultrasound may be a sign of diabetes

Researchers found a link between shoulder muscle brightness on ultrasound and type 2 diabetes, with low glycogen levels suspected as the cause. The study's findings suggest that radiologists can use ultrasound images to predict diabetic status in nearly nine out of ten patients.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 19, 2018

Duke forms prototype of robot dog nose

Researchers at Duke University have created a prototype of an artificial 'robot nose' device that uses living mouse cells to detect target odors, including cocaine and explosives. The device aims to mimic the human sense of smell and potentially replace trained dogs in security applications.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 19, 2018

Ground and stream water clues reveal shale drilling impacts

Scientists analyzed pre- and post-drilling water samples to identify methane contamination sources near Marcellus Shale gas wells. The study found that drilling-related methane leaks can change water chemistry, mobilizing metals and releasing unwanted compounds.

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

Scientists discover new 'pinwheel' star system

Researchers have discovered a new massive star system dubbed 'Apep,' featuring a slow-moving dust pinwheel that defies current theories on how large stars die. The system's unusual rotation is thought to cause the star to collapse at its poles before the equator, producing a gamma-ray burst.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateNov 19, 2018

Peat burning during Indonesian wildfires

Weekly air sample analysis in Singapore revealed that peat burning was the primary source of smoke during Indonesian fires in 2015. The study suggests that around 85% of smoke reaching Singapore originated from peat, highlighting the need to protect peat from wildfires.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

On guns, docs tell the NRA #ThisisOurLane

Physicians say firearms are within their lane, disagreeing with NRA's stance on gun violence prevention. The American College of Physicians is collaborating with the American Foundation for Firearm Injury Reduction in Medicine to provide funding for research and develop practice recommendations on firearm injury prevention.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 19, 2018

Stopping cancer with a smartphone

A portable device that can screen for cervical cancer using a smartphone has been developed by researchers at the University of Arizona. The device is estimated to be less than $3,000 and can analyze images automatically, recommend treatment, and identify potentially cancerous areas. Its affordability, portability, and ease of use make...

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateNov 19, 2018

Novel target identified for neuron regeneration, functional recovery in spinal cord injury

Scientists at Temple University Health System have identified LKB1 as a critical regulator of axon regeneration in mature neurons, leading to significant gains in functional recovery in mice with spinal cord injuries. Targeted upregulation of LKB1 protein stimulated long-distance neuron regeneration and improved locomotor function.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateNov 19, 2018

Ocean warming

Researchers at the University of Delaware have found a previously unknown pathway for heat to travel from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean, bypassing the Indonesian Throughflow. This discovery has significant implications for climate change research and could inform scientists about global warming.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateNov 19, 2018
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.

Odd bodies, rapid spins keep cosmic rings close

Research finds that gravity and unique shapes of small objects in our solar system create and maintain their own rings. Astronomers discovered that rings around Chariklo and Haumea are confined by the object's irregularities, contradicting previous assumptions about moon-dominated ring systems.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateNov 19, 2018

Emotional abuse may be linked with menopause misery

A UCSF-led study found that women who experienced emotional abuse had 50% higher odds of night sweats and 60% higher odds of painful sex. Women with PTSD symptoms or domestic violence history also reported higher prevalence of menopausal pain and discomfort.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 19, 2018

Freeze-frame microscopy captures molecule's 'lock-and-load' on DNA

Researchers use cryo-electron microscopy to capture detailed snapshots of the TFIID molecule's dynamic structure as it interacts with DNA. The high-resolution images reveal new insights into the molecular mechanism and provide opportunities for developing drugs that target its structural changes.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·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.

To resolve inflammation, location matters

A new study reveals that the protein Del-1 plays a vital role in clearing inflammation by connecting dying neutrophils to macrophages. The 'location principle' suggests that homeostatic molecules perform different regulatory functions depending on their location.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 19, 2018

Having poor vision can raise risk for falls among older adults

Falls are a major cause of illness and death among older adults with impaired vision, affecting 50% who limit activity due to fear, and 1 in 4 experiencing recurrent falls. Researchers found that taking steps to prevent falls can help slow declines in well-being and independence.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 19, 2018

Gene vital for post-stroke recovery identified for the first time

Researchers identified a set of genetic variants associated with poorer stroke recovery in patients. The study, involving over 2,000 patients, found that certain variants of the PATJ gene predispose individuals to worse outcomes after a stroke, resulting in significant disability and dependence.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalCirculation Research·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.

Jumping genes shed light on how advanced life may have emerged

Researchers discovered that retrotransposons and nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) interacted to create a selection pressure that helped lead to the emergence of advanced life. This interaction enabled eukaryotes to mix and match genes, creating more complicated functions.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 2018

How leaves and petals take shape

A study explores how biomechanical factors shape plant organs, revealing a power-law distribution for growth strain within leaves. Researchers replicated leaf geometries in a hydrogel, offering insights into bioinspired structures in soft materials.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Bio jet fuels good for the climate, but technologies need tweaking

Producing bio jet fuels from forestry residues in Norway can help reduce climate impacts, but it may affect other SDGs like Zero Hunger and Clean Water. The country could potentially produce 20% of its projected jet fuel use from forest residues by 2030.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Sustainability·DateNov 19, 2018