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Science News Archive November 2018 - Page 17


Page 17 of 42
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Google data shows public interest in conservation is rising

A recent analysis of Google Trends data reveals a significant rise in public interest in conservation, with monthly searches reaching 110,000. The study's findings suggest that the growing interest in conservation is not diminishing, but rather complementing interest in climate change.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateNov 19, 2018

Mite genomes reveal 'mighty surprising' fragrant and colorful secrets

Scientists discover functional genes for producing terpenes and carotenoids in mites, which could lead to new ways of controlling chigger bites and potentially treating scrub typhus. Ancient horizontal gene transfer from soil bacteria and fungi is found to be responsible for these genetic surprises.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalGigaScience·DateNov 19, 2018

Astronomers discover giant relic of disrupted 'tadpole' galaxy

Researchers have identified a giant, exceptional relic of a disrupted galaxy, comprising an elliptical head and a long tail. The 'tadpole' galaxy is 1 million light-years long from end to end and contains two nearby galaxies within it.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateNov 19, 2018

Cannabis youth prevention strategy should target mental wellbeing

A recent University of Waterloo study found that high school students with positive mental health are less likely to consume cannabis. The study suggests that marijuana prevention programs should focus on promoting mental wellbeing instead of abstinence.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalAddictive Behaviors·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.

Computational chemistry supports research on new semiconductor technologies

Researchers use computational chemistry to explore interactions between organic molecules and surfaces, gaining insights into designing patterned surfaces for next-generation semiconductors. High-performance computing enables simulations of molecular dynamics, revealing new phenomena and improving the understanding of chemical reactions.

SourceGauss Centre for Supercomputing·DateNov 19, 2018

'True polar wander' may have caused ice age

Researchers propose that changes in Earth's spin axis, known as true polar wander, triggered the latest ice age about 12 million years ago. By analyzing fossil signatures and magnetic data from ocean sediments, they found evidence of a 3-degree shift in the planet's rotation axis, which may have led to the formation of thick ice sheets.

SourceRice University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 19, 2018

Ecstasy ingredient may promote cooperation

A controlled laboratory study found that MDMA increased cooperation between individuals who had been betrayed, indicating the drug's potential as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. The study also reported altered brain activity in regions involved in social information processing.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateNov 19, 2018
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Aspirin and omega-3 reduce pre-cancerous bowel polyps

A clinical trial found that aspirin reduced the number of polyps overall, including on the right side, while EPA reduced polyps on the left side. Both compounds had preventative effects by reducing specific types of polyps.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 19, 2018

Swifts ride air currents to catch a free lunch

Researchers analyzed the flight patterns of swifts, discovering that they spend most of their time gliding and using rising currents to power their movements. This unique strategy allows them to extract energy from the air almost for free, making their foraging capabilities extremely efficient.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateNov 19, 2018

Exploring the genetic contribution to suicide risk

Researchers at University of Utah Health identified four gene changes linked to increased suicide risk in high-risk families. These findings may lead to new treatments for those who suffer from mental health issues.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 19, 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.

Cessation fatigue predicts which smokers making a quit attempt are likely to relapse

A new study found that cessation fatigue, emotional exhaustion and reduced coping resources, increases in the first six weeks of a quit attempt, leading to worse performance on smoking cessation milestones. High cessation fatigue scores predicted lower chances of going a full week without smoking at two months.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateNov 19, 2018

Response to daily stressors could affect brain health in older adults

A new study from Oregon State University found that older adults' daily stress reactions can impact their brain health. The researchers followed 111 participants aged 65-95 and discovered that those who experienced more negative emotions and reactivity to stressors showed greater cognitive decline.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateNov 19, 2018

Researchers find promise in new treatment for peanut allergy

Researchers developed a new oral immunotherapy drug, AR101, derived from peanut protein, to build tolerance in peanut allergy sufferers. The study found that more than two-thirds of participants taking the active drug could tolerate a dose of peanut protein equivalent to about two peanut kernels.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 19, 2018

Fine analysis of fur grooming in cats

A study reveals that cats' tongues use fine structures called papillae to aid grooming. The papillae wick saliva from the mouth and deposit it onto fur, regulating body temperature.

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

Rare and diverse giant viruses unexpectedly found in a forest soil ecosystem

Researchers isolated giant viruses from soil at Harvard Forest using a novel mini-metagenomics approach, revealing unprecedented biodiversity and challenging existing knowledge of viral diversity. The discovery highlights the importance of new methods in uncovering key discoveries in microbial ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 19, 2018

Amazonian peatlands as carbon source

A study simulating Amazonian peatland dynamics from 2100 AD to 12,000 years ago finds that peatlands may become a net source of carbon under changing climate conditions. Basin peatland and non-peatland soils are predicted to release up to 0.4 petagrams of carbon by 2100.

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.

A molecule for fighting muscular paralysis

Researchers at UNIGE have identified tamoxifen, a breast cancer medication, as a potential treatment for myotubular myopathy, a genetic disease that causes muscle paralysis and death before two years of age. The molecule greatly reduces the progression of the disease and boosts life expectancy in animal models by a factor of seven.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 19, 2018

Alcohol-impaired driving and drinking at private residences

A study found that 73% of drinking occasions occurred at home, while only 9% were at restaurants or bars. Drinking at home was rarely associated with driving after drinking or impaired driving, but still led to substantial numbers of drunken driving events.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateNov 18, 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.

Scientists explain how wombats drop cubed poop

Researchers studied the digestive tracts of wombats and found that elastic properties of intestinal walls allow for cube formation. Wombats use cube-shaped poop to mark their home ranges and communicate with other wombats.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 18, 2018

New dual-action cancer-killing virus

Researchers developed a dual-action virus that kills cancer cells while targeting adjacent fibroblasts shielding them from the immune system. The therapy showed promise in human cancer samples and mice without causing toxicity.

SourceMedical Research Council·JournalCancer Research·DateNov 18, 2018

Explaining a fastball's unexpected twist

Investigations by Utah State University researchers reveal that two-seam fastball pitch movement is influenced by finger grip and spin axis tilt. The knuckleball's unique point of separation mid-flight also affects its trajectory, contrary to initial assumptions based on the Magnus effect.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 18, 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.

Noise pollution in hospitals -- a rising problem

Research highlights the negative impact of hospital noise on communication, patient rest, and recovery, as well as staff performance and burnout. The authors propose a new approach to addressing noise pollution, prioritizing SPL reduction and involving patients in its creation.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 18, 2018

Bullying and violence at work increases the risk of cardiovascular disease

People who experience workplace bullying or violence are at higher risk of heart and brain blood vessel problems, including heart attacks and stroke. The largest prospective study found a strong association between the two, with those exposed to frequent bullying or violence having a 59% higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateNov 18, 2018

New treatment to protect people with peanut allergies ready for FDA review

A new treatment has been shown to help people with peanut allergies build up a tolerance to the allergen, allowing them to consume small amounts without experiencing severe reactions. The study found that two-thirds of participants were able to tolerate the equivalent of two peanuts per day after nine to 12 months of treatment.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·DateNov 18, 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.

Helping Marvel superheroes to breathe

Researchers found that Ant-Man and the Wasp's bug-sized state would lead to serious oxygen deprivation issues due to reduced atmospheric density. Microfluidic technologies could help alleviate these issues by providing controlled flow rates and directions of air, similar to insect respiratory systems.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 18, 2018

Researchers propose solutions for urine sample splash dilemma

Researchers have proposed a solution to the uncomfortable and messy issue of providing urine samples. A patented product called the Orchid, designed by Faith Leibman, features a funnel-like catch attached to a urine sample cup, making it easier for women and people with disabilities to provide a urine sample.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 18, 2018

Swarmlike collective behavior in bicycling

A team of researchers analyzed aerial video footage of bicycle races to determine the causes of changes in peloton collective behavior. They found two types of propagating waves within pelotons, driven by rider vision and sensory input, which challenge previous assumptions about aerodynamics' role in group dynamics.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 18, 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.

UK needs to redesign health policies for men

A new report calls on the UK government to redesign health policies for men, taking into account their unique experiences in the workplace. The report highlights the need for targeted marketing campaigns and out-of-hours services to reach men at risk of poor physical and mental health.

SourceLancaster University·DateNov 18, 2018

New inhibitor which blocks inflammation could also treat sepsis

Scientists have discovered a new OGG1 inhibitor that decreases lung inflammation in mice, which could lead to better treatments for diseases like sepsis and autoimmune disorders. The inhibitor blocks the onset of inflammation associated with oxidative stress, offering a new mechanism for preventing inflammatory conditions.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalScience·DateNov 17, 2018

Treated superalloys demonstrate unprecedented heat resistance

Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory discovered a way to make superalloys more resistant to heat-related failures, allowing them to withstand high temperatures six times longer than untreated counterparts. This breakthrough could improve materials performance in electricity generators and nuclear reactors.

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 16, 2018

New materials: Growing polymer pelts

Scientists at KIT have developed a simple and cost-effective method to create customized polymer nanofibers through vapor deposition of liquid crystal layers with reactive molecules. This process enables the creation of complex structures with tailored properties for various applications, including biological detectors and coatings.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalScience·DateNov 16, 2018

Sucking your baby's pacifier may benefit their health

A Henry Ford Health System study found that babies whose parents cleaned their pacifiers with saliva had lower levels of IgE antibodies, associated with allergies and asthma. The researchers believe healthy oral bacteria may be passed from parents to their children, influencing immune system development.

SourceHenry Ford Health·DateNov 16, 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.

Milk allergy affects half of US food-allergic kids under age 1

A new study reveals that over two percent of U.S. children under the age of 5 have a milk allergy, and 53% of food-allergic infants under age 1 have a cow's milk allergy. The number of children with milk allergies decreases as they grow older, with 41% of 1-2-year-olds, 34% of 3-5-year-olds, and 15% of 11-17-year-olds.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·DateNov 16, 2018

Majority of HIV persistence during ART due to infected cell proliferation

A study published in Nature Communications confirms that HIV persistence during antiretroviral therapy (ART) is driven by the proliferation of infected cells, rather than viral replication. This finding suggests that reducing cellular proliferation could help deplete the latent HIV reservoir and potentially lead to a functional cure.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 16, 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.

Study links social isolation to higher risk of death

A large American Cancer Society study found that social isolation is linked to a higher risk of death from all causes combined and heart disease, with increased cancer mortality in white men and women. Addressing social isolation holds promise as it could be relatively simple and influence other risk factors.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateNov 16, 2018

How to make AI less biased

Researchers identify potential causes of bias in machine learning systems and demonstrate how changing data collection methods can reduce bias without compromising accuracy. They suggest identifying clusters of patients with high disparities in accuracy to inform data collection decisions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·DateNov 16, 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.

Eyeing echidnas

Harvard researchers create highly-detailed musculoskeletal model of an echidna forelimb to gain insight into its biomechanics and optimize limb leverage for certain movements. The study also reveals the importance of muscle configuration in supporting limb rotation, a key feature of the echidna's sprawling gait.

SourceHarvard University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateNov 16, 2018

The common ancestor of species was rod-shaped

The study found that the common ancestor of Deinococcus species was rod-shaped, with six conserved genes (MreB, MreC, MreD, MrdA, RodA, and RodZ) present in all rod-shaped species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that major gene loss occurred four times during evolution, generating spherical shape species.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Bioinformatics Journal·DateNov 16, 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.

Color coded -- matching taste with color

Penn State researchers found that people can learn to associate colors with tastes and that some people are quicker learners than others. They also discovered that different bitter compounds have distinct taste profiles, which may explain why people enjoy some bitter flavors but not others.

SourcePenn State·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateNov 16, 2018

Drug resistant infections associated with higher in-hospital mortality rates in India

Researchers found that patients infected with multi-drug resistant and extensively drug resistant bacterial infections, especially Gram-negative infections, had significantly higher mortality rates. The study highlights the urgent need for increased surveillance, research, and antimicrobial stewardship efforts worldwide.

SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateNov 16, 2018