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Science News Archive November 2018 - Page 19


Page 19 of 42

SwRI scientists map magnetic reconnection in Earth's magnetotail

Researchers have found that the regions in the Earth's magnetosphere that energize the polar aurora are remarkably calm and nonturbulent. The study revealed intense electron jets associated with magnetic reconnection, which dump energy into Earth's atmosphere, exciting auroras.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalScience·DateNov 15, 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.

Patchy distribution of joint inflammation resolved

Biomechanical forces play a key role in the development of joint inflammation and erosions in chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The study identifies hot spots in the musculoskeletal system where mechanical loading leads to increased inflammation and tissue damage.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 15, 2018

Should you eat a low-gluten diet?

Researchers found that a low-gluten, fibre-rich diet changes the community of gut bacteria and decreases gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating. The study suggests that dietary fibres, not the absence of gluten alone, are the primary cause of these changes.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 15, 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.

Dietary fat is good? Dietary fat is bad? Coming to consensus

Researchers agree that an overall healthy diet is key, with a focus on quality over specific ratios. They identified areas of agreement and disagreement, including questions about carbohydrate-to-fat ratios and optimal fat intake.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalScience·DateNov 15, 2018

Spending our carbon budgets wisely

Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology suggest that prioritizing fundamental human needs over economic growth could make it easier to reduce carbon emissions. They found that meeting subsistence and protection needs takes half of the global carbon budget, while leisure and identity take most of the other half.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 15, 2018

Resistant bacteria: Can raw vegetables and salad pose a health risk?

A study by the Julius Kühn Institute and BfR found antimicrobial-resistant bacteria with multiple transferable resistance genes on fresh produce, including mixed salads, arugula, and cilantro. Consumers can minimize risk by washing raw vegetables thoroughly and considering heat treatment for immunocompromised individuals.

SourceBfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment·JournalmBio·DateNov 15, 2018

Arming drug hunters, chemists design new reaction for drug discovery

Researchers at Colorado State University have created a new carbon-carbon bond reaction using phosphorus to stitch together molecular rings called pyridines. This reaction could fling open an underexplored wing of biologically relevant chemistry, allowing for the discovery of new drugs.

SourceColorado State University·JournalScience·DateNov 15, 2018

Preventing chemical weapons as sciences converge

The article highlights the threat of future chemical attacks during a period of rapid scientific change. The authors emphasize the need for collective review and strengthening of global measures to prevent the re-emergence of chemical weapons.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalScience·DateNov 15, 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.

Insomniac prisoners sleeping better after one-hour therapy session

A one-hour cognitive behavioural therapy session has been shown to be effective in preventing chronic insomnia in 73% of prisoners. The therapy also made notable improvements to anxiety and depression, with prisoners reporting significant reductions in symptoms.

SourceNorthumbria University·JournalBehavioral Sleep Medicine·DateNov 15, 2018

Disrupting parasites' family planning could aid malaria fight

Researchers discovered that malaria parasites adjust their reproduction strategy based on host conditions, opting to invest more in reproduction when conditions are favorable and prioritizing survival during adverse times. This finding could inform the development of new treatments by prompting parasites to spread more easily.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 15, 2018

Insect antibiotic provides new way to eliminate bacteria

Thanatin, a natural insect antibiotic, eliminates bacteria by preventing the formation of their outer protective shield. This unprecedented mechanism offers a new way to develop effective antibiotics against dangerous pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 15, 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.

Dry eye syndrome slows reading rate, study suggests

A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found that dry eye syndrome can slow a person's reading speed by up to 10% and make it difficult to read for more than 30 minutes. The condition affects millions of adults in the US, causing ocular discomfort and visual problems.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·DateNov 15, 2018

Electronic skin points the way north

Scientists at HZDR create an electronic skin with magnetosensitive capabilities, allowing humans to perceive the Earth's magnetic field. The sensor is thin, malleable, and can be attached to human skin, facilitating interaction in virtual and augmented reality.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Electronics·DateNov 15, 2018

Humpback whales arrive in the Mediterranean to feed themselves

Humpback whales have been observed feeding on krill in the Mediterranean, with experts predicting an increase in sightings due to changes in climate and temperature. The species migrates from the poles to the Equator to reproduce, and recent studies suggest that food availability is a key factor in their presence in the region.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalRegional Studies in Marine Science·DateNov 15, 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.

Phenyl addition made a poison useful for a chemical reaction in catalysis

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have discovered that a catalyst poison can be transformed into an efficient ligand by introducing a substituent. This finding has significant implications for the design of ligands for homogeneous catalysts, enabling the acceleration of catalytic reactions.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalOrganometallics·DateNov 15, 2018

Seeing and smelling food prepares the mouse liver for digestion

Researchers found that perceiving food activates the liver to prepare for nutrient uptake, including rapid signaling cascades that prime the endoplasmic reticulum for protein synthesis. This study may hold implications for understanding obesity and diabetes connections through protein folding and insulin release.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateNov 15, 2018

New maps hint at how electric fish got their big brains

Researchers mapped the regions of the brain in electric fish, finding that the cerebellum is bigger than expected and associated with their use of weak electric discharges. The study challenges the idea that big brains always mean big cerebellums, suggesting alternative explanations for brain evolution

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 15, 2018

Feeling the pressure with universal tactile imaging

Osaka University scientists created a new approach to pressure distribution measurement using universal tactile imaging technology. The sensors have no need for pressure-sensitive materials and are simpler to manufacture, making them suitable for various applications including robotics and surgical medicine.

SourceOsaka University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics·DateNov 15, 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.

Rutgers study helps city ban large trucks

A Rutgers University study found significant improvements in air quality after restricting heavy truck traffic on a residential street in Elizabeth, N.J. The research team tracked 60 trucks per hour and found a spike in black carbon from diesel exhaust pollution, which was linked to asthma and other health issues.

SourceRutgers University·DateNov 15, 2018

Drop your weapons!

A study by Ummat Somjee and colleagues found that male leaf-footed bugs invest more in their large hind legs than females do, which are used as weapons in male-male duels. The team measured energy use of live bugs with and without hind legs to calculate the hidden energetic cost of maintaining these structures.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·DateNov 15, 2018

Infants born to obese mothers risk developing liver disease, obesity

Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus discover that infant gut microbes altered by maternal obesity increase the risk of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease later in life. The study suggests that altering the microbiome through probiotics or supplements may help reduce this risk.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 15, 2018

Friends and family increase the risk of children becoming smokers in the UK

A new study found that UK children exposed to smoking from caregivers or friends are more likely to try and continue smoking. The research highlights the 'transmissible' nature of tobacco smoking among young people, emphasizing the need for measures to protect children from smoking in the home and support smoking cessation.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThorax·DateNov 15, 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.

Making moves and memories, are they connected?

A recent study found that the cerebellum plays a crucial role in cognitive functions, including short-term memory. The research team discovered that activity in the cerebellum during periods of stillness was linked to memory activity in both the frontal cortex and other parts of the brain.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature·DateNov 15, 2018

Brain, muscle cells found lurking in kidney organoids grown in lab

Researchers discovered that lab-grown kidney cells can contain rogue brain and muscle cells, making them imperfect models for human kidneys. However, they found a way to prevent most of these off-target cells from forming, which could accelerate progress in developing better treatments for kidney disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 15, 2018

How sperm find their way

A new study by University of Tokyo researchers reveals that a protein in sperm cell membranes plays a key role in navigation to eggs. The PMCA protein may also help explain species-specific interactions between sperm and egg cells, making it a promising target for drug research.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 15, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bursting bubbles launch bacteria from water to air

Researchers found that bacteria can affect a bubble's longevity, causing it to last up to 10 times longer than an uncontaminated one. The team discovered that bacterial secretions act as surfactants, extending the lifetime of contaminated bubbles by reducing surface tension and making them more resistant to perturbations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 15, 2018

Researchers in Japan make android child's face strikingly more expressive

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a system to quantify and control the surface motion of an android's face, enabling it to express a wider range of emotions. The system uses deformation units to measure and adjust facial movements, resulting in more nuanced expressions such as smiling and frowning.

SourceOsaka University·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateNov 15, 2018

UMN researchers discover important connection between cells in the liver

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have made a groundbreaking discovery about how liver cell communication affects disease progression. By studying the dialogue between hepatocytes and macrophages, they found that a specific ketone body metabolite helps protect against tissue fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalCell Metabolism·DateNov 15, 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.

The smart factory

Researchers at Swansea University are developing data-driven computational models to predict machine failures and optimize production processes in Crown's smart factories. The goal is to increase efficiency, accuracy, and productivity while addressing the current lagging productivity levels of UK manufacturers and suppliers.

SourceSwansea University·DateNov 15, 2018

Professor Adrian Hilton awarded prestigious IET Achievement Meda

Professor Adrian Hilton received the IET Achievement Medal for his pioneering work in 3D and 4D video technology, recognising his significant impact on machine perception research. His achievement showcases the university's strong AI research group, CVSSP, with its expertise in audio-visual machine perception.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·DateNov 15, 2018

DNA-encoded PCSK9 inhibitors may provide alternative for treating high cholesterol

Researchers at The Wistar Institute developed novel synthetic DNA-encoded monoclonal antibodies targeting PCSK9, which significantly reduced cholesterol levels in preclinical studies. This approach may provide a less frequent and cost-effective alternative to statins for treating high cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular risk.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateNov 15, 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.

Devonian integrative stratigraphy and timescale of China

A new Devonian integrative stratigraphy framework for China has been established, integrating bio-, chronostratigraphy, event stratigraphy, and radioactive isotope ages. The framework provides a high-resolution chronology for the complex ocean-land-atmosphere interactions during the Devonian period.

SourceScience China Press·DateNov 15, 2018

Home-based visits benefit rural patients with kidney disease

A pilot program in rural New Mexico promoted patients' active involvement in their daily care, leading to modest improvements in clinical measures. The intervention also showed significant benefits in mental health quality of life and reduced CKD risk factors.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 15, 2018

New research finds omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of premature birth

A new Cochrane review finds that increasing omega-3 intake during pregnancy reduces the risk of premature births by 11% and early premature births by 42%. The optimal dose is a daily supplement containing between 500 and 1000mg of long-chain omega-3 fats starting at 12 weeks of pregnancy.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateNov 15, 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.

New promising compound against heart rhythm disorders and clogged arteries

A new pharmacological agent, SS-68, demonstrates significant activity in preventing heart rhythm disorders and conditions of reduced blood flow to the heart caused by obstructed arteries. The compound has also been found to reduce episodes of epilepsy in brain injury-induced arrhythmias.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalResearch Results in Pharmacology·DateNov 15, 2018

Toxins override key immune system check

Researchers found that bacterial toxins from Staphylococcus aureus reduce the number of cells suppressing the immune response, leading to excessive immune responses. Weakened enterotoxins could potentially be used to induce stronger immune responses in cancer treatment.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateNov 15, 2018

Metallic nanoparticles light up another path towards eco-friendly catalysts

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have created subnano-sized metallic particles that can perform 50 times higher catalytic activity than well-known Au-Pd bimetallic nanocatalysts. These particles are cost-effective and environmentally friendly, making them a promising solution for reducing pollution.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 15, 2018

Drug candidate may recover vocal abilities lost to ADNP syndrome

A new study finds that CP201, a nerve-cell-protecting snippet of ADNP protein, normalizes disrupted neural connectivity and improves vocal communication in ADNP-deficient mice. The research paves the way for a clinical trial to treat social, motor, and vocal communication impediments in ADNP syndrome patients.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 15, 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.

Race plays role in regaining weight after gastric bypass surgery

Researchers found African Americans had significantly more weight regain than Caucasians, while both groups experienced rapid weight gain over time. The study highlights the need for future research into racial differences in bariatric surgery outcomes.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalObesity·DateNov 15, 2018

'Edited' plant-based toxin possesses anti-tumor characteristics

Researchers at Shinshu University discovered that editing fusicoccins, a toxic organic compound, can transform them into chemicals with anti-tumor properties. The study suggests that the compound works as a stabilizer for protein-protein interactions, which could lead to the development of new clinically relevant anti-cancer agents.

SourceShinshu University·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateNov 15, 2018

Researchers to study drivers of asthma in Puerto Rico

A new study aims to investigate the origins of asthma in Puerto Rico by following 4,000 children from birth through early childhood. The team plans to use genetic techniques to identify biological drivers of disease and biomarkers that may predict outcomes.

SourceNational Jewish Health·DateNov 15, 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.

Killer whales share personality traits with humans, chimpanzees

Researchers analyzed 24 captive killer whales' personality traits using the five-factor model, finding similarities with both humans and chimpanzees. The study suggests that complex social interactions may require certain personality traits.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Comparative Psychology·DateNov 15, 2018