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Science News Archive November 2018 - Page 23


Page 23 of 42

Climate simulations project wetter, windier hurricanes

Researchers found that recent hurricanes like Katrina, Irma, and Maria experienced increased rainfall of 5-10%, while projected future storms could have even more intense rainfall and stronger winds. A warmer climate may also alter storm structures, with the inner part robbing moisture from the outer edges.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateNov 14, 2018

African ancestry associated with risk factors for heart failure

Genetic analysis of African ancestry found a correlation with increased risk factors for heart failure, including thicker left ventricles and higher ECG voltages. This study suggests that African ancestry may be associated with an increased risk of heart failure in young adults.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateNov 14, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

First tally of US-Russia polar bears finds a healthy population

Researchers estimate the Chukchi Sea subpopulation is relatively abundant, numbering around 3,000 polar bears, with good reproductive rates and cub survival. This contrasts with the declining southern Beaufort Sea subpopulation due to sea-ice loss.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 14, 2018

Urocortin 3 gene therapy increases systolic and diastolic function in heart failure

A study published in Human Gene Therapy found that urocortin 3 gene therapy significantly improved left ventricular function and ejection fractions in mice with induced heart failure. The therapy resulted in a 1.9-fold increase in left ventricular function and a 32% relative increase in ejection fractions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateNov 14, 2018

Climate control of Earth's critical zone

A new study by University of Colorado Boulder geoscientists sheds light on the hidden world beneath our feet, revealing how rainfall affects the depth of the critical zone. The researchers found that a shallow critical zone forms under dry conditions, while a thick one forms in wet conditions.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalHydrological Processes·DateNov 14, 2018

Zika may hijack mother-fetus immunity route

Research suggests Zika virus may use the same immune transfer route as dengue to infect Hofbauer cells in the placenta, leading to increased viral binding and entry. This finding has implications for understanding Zika's ability to cross the placental barrier.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateNov 14, 2018

TGen North partners with NARBHA Institute to promote human health

The TGen One Health Collaborative uses a comprehensive approach to study human health in relation to the environment and animals. Examples of research areas include antimicrobial resistance, emerging infectious diseases like West Nile Virus and Valley Fever, and tracking disease outbreaks.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·DateNov 14, 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.

Breakthrough in treatment of restless legs syndrome

Researchers have made a breakthrough in treating Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), identifying the nerve cells responsible for involuntary leg movements. By targeting these nerve cells, new drug treatments may be effective in preventing RLS symptoms.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateNov 14, 2018

Symbiosis a driver of truffle diversity

A comparative analysis of eight Pezizomycete fungi reveals that truffle-forming species have evolved independently due to symbiotic relationships with host plants. The study also highlights the importance of underground networks in shaping these ecosystems and impacting global carbon cycling.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 14, 2018

Mosquito genome opens new avenues for reducing bug-borne disease

Researchers have developed a comprehensive catalog of the Aedes aegypti genome, which could lead to novel strategies for reducing mosquito-borne illnesses. The new tool has revealed genes coding for ionotropic receptors that detect odors, and enzymes neutralizing toxic effects of insecticides.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateNov 14, 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.

How exercise could help fight drug addiction

Research with mice suggests exercise strengthens resolve against drug addiction by changing peptide levels in the brain. Re-exposure to drug-related cues affects exercise and sedentary mice differently.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateNov 14, 2018

Youth-oriented mental health campaign shows evidence of success

A Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health campaign targeting youth aged 14-24 showed impressive results in changing public attitudes toward mental health. The 'WhyWeRise' campaign increased support for people with mental illness and empowered youth to mobilize around mental health activism.

SourceRAND Corporation·DateNov 14, 2018

Nanotubes built from protein crystals: Breakthrough in biomolecular engineering

Scientists have developed a method to construct protein nanotubes from engineered protein crystals, which could accelerate the development of artificial enzymes, nano-sized carriers and delivery systems. The new method, reported in Chemical Science, uses protein crystals as a scaffold for proteins to self-assemble into desired structures.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalChemical Science·DateNov 14, 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.

Vapers do not undermine desire to quit smoking

A recent study by University College London found that smokers who regularly spend time with vapers are more likely to try quitting smoking. The study discovered no evidence that vaping discourages smokers from quitting, alleviating concerns about the public health impact of e-cigarettes.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBMC Medicine·DateNov 13, 2018

Football coaches between victories, defeats and emotions

Researchers found that coaches with optimal emotional control improve team performance, while those with poor emotional management struggle. Coaches who manage their emotions well are more balanced and self-confident, leading to better communication and focus.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalSports·DateNov 13, 2018

First blood-based biomarker in response to the treatment of the most aggressive prostate cancer

A study led by CNIO has defined a blood-based biomarker that can determine the most effective treatment for castration-resistant prostate cancer patients. The biomarker, which analyzes the presence of a specific gene in circulating tumour DNA, shows promise for improved survival rates and personalized therapy.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalEuropean Urology·DateNov 13, 2018

Scientists shed light on semiconductor degradation mechanism

Researchers at Nagoya Institute of Technology have gained new insights into the mechanisms behind semiconductor degradation in 4H-SiC material, a popular alternative to standard materials. They discovered that specific types of atomic deformation lead to faster carrier recombination and device degradation.

SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateNov 13, 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.

Diabetic foot ulcers heal quickly with nitric oxide technology

Researchers at Michigan Technological University are developing nitric oxide-laden bandages that adjust chemical release depending on cell conditions. The goal is to create a more nuanced way to recover wound function and reduce the healing time of diabetic foot ulcers.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalMedical Sciences·DateNov 13, 2018

Why your number of romantic partners mirrors your mother

Researchers found that people with mothers who had multiple partners tend to have more romantic partners themselves, possibly due to inherited relationship skills or traits. The study controlled for economic factors but found no significant impact on the mother-child link.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 13, 2018

Violent crime rates rise in warmer winters

A CU Boulder study found a surprisingly strong correlation between warmer winters and higher violent crime rates in the US. The research used powerful climate analysis techniques to investigate year-to-year fluctuations in climate and crime rates, revealing a strong relationship between temperature and crime in winter months.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGeoHealth·DateNov 13, 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.

DNA structure impacts rate and accuracy of DNA synthesis

Researchers found that certain DNA structures, like G-quadruplexes, can slow down or speed up DNA synthesis, affecting error rates. Non-B DNA regions with specific motifs were associated with increased sequencing errors and human disease susceptibility.

SourcePenn State·JournalGenome Research·DateNov 13, 2018

Julie Pfeiffer awarded for groundbreaking work on viruses and bacteria

Julie Pfeiffer's groundbreaking research has redefined how we think about life-threatening viral infections, discovering new ways bacteria affect virus infection. Her work shows antibiotics can have antiviral effects, driving research into new treatments for viruses.

SourceTexas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science & Technology·DateNov 13, 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.

Weightlifting is good for your heart and it doesn't take much

A new study from Iowa State University found that weightlifting for less than an hour a week can reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke by 40 to 70 percent. The research suggests that strength training alone is enough to lower this risk, independent of running, walking, or other aerobic activity.

SourceIowa State University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateNov 13, 2018

UTA researchers find cheaper, less energy-intensive way to purify ethylene

Researchers at UTA have filed a patent application for a new copper compound that can efficiently separate ethylene from ethane, reducing energy consumption and capital investment. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce environmental impact and lower costs associated with producing plastics.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 13, 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.

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.

Moths and magnets could save lives

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new technology that uses a moth-infecting virus and nanomagnets to deliver CRISPR/Cas9 payloads for gene editing. The therapy has the potential to treat genetic diseases such as sickle cell, muscular dystrophy, and cystic fibrosis.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateNov 13, 2018

Stretchy solar cells a step closer

Rice University engineers have developed flexible organic photovoltaics with improved mechanical properties, enabling them to withstand strains of up to 20%. The new material retains its efficiency and gains flexibility by incorporating a network of elastic additives.

SourceRice University·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateNov 13, 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.

Overlooked trends in annual precipitation reveal underestimated risks worldwide

A reanalysis of worldwide annual precipitation trends reveals overlooked risks to human and environmental systems, affecting nearly 40% of the global population and 44% of land areas. The study highlights significant regional variations in precipitation risk and variability, emphasizing the need for more accurate risk assessments.

SourceUniversity of Maine·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 13, 2018

NASA-NOAA Satellite finds a large Tropical Cyclone Gaja

Tropical Cyclone Gaja formed on November 10 and strengthened into a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph. The satellite imagery showed an elongated storm with disorganized rain bands and fragmented convection patterns, moving west-southwest towards southern India.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 13, 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.

Chinese satellites provide advanced solutions to modeling small particles

Researchers from China used Fengyun-3A satellite data to develop a more accurate model for predicting aerosol mass. The team's method improved the accuracy of climate predictions by combining satellite observations with ground-based data.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateNov 13, 2018

If your diet fails, try again; your heart will thank you

A new study published in the journal Nutrients found that diet fluctuations can lead to a rollercoaster of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Repeated attempts at adopting a healthy eating pattern can have benefits, with significant improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol levels seen after just a few weeks.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNutrients·DateNov 13, 2018

Structure of fossil-fuel source rocks is finally decoded

Researchers at MIT and partners have created detailed 3D images of kerogen's internal structure, improving predictions of oil and gas recovery. The study reveals that mature kerogen has smaller pores connected by a network allowing for easier extraction.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2018

NIH scientists illuminate causes of hepatitis b virus-associated acute liver failure

Researchers found that hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated acute liver failure results from an uncommon encounter between a highly mutated HBV variant and an unusual immune response in the patient's liver. By analyzing liver samples, they discovered new mechanisms about the disease, providing insights into its development.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 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.

The illusion of multitasking boosts performance

Researchers found that participants who believed they were multitasking transcribed more words per second and scored better on comprehension quizzes. The study suggests that our perception of multitasking can influence how well we engage with tasks.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 13, 2018

Study examines opioid use among Massachusetts adolescents, trends in opioid prescriptions

A recent study in Massachusetts found that adolescent females have a higher rate of non-fatal opioid overdoses compared to males, while receiving insufficient medication for post-overdose treatment. The analysis of public data from 2012 to 2014 revealed that only 8% of adolescents were prescribed medications like methadone or buprenorp...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateNov 13, 2018

2018 ESMO Immuno-Oncology Award goes to Cornelis Melief

Cornelis Melief is recognized for his life's work in studying the interactions of the immune system with cancer, leading to the development of new therapeutic cancer vaccine strategies. His research has shown clinical effectiveness in treating patients with pre-malignant lesions caused by HPV type 16.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateNov 13, 2018

Neural nets supplant marker genes in analyzing single cell RNA sequencing

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new method that uses neural networks to analyze single cell RNA sequencing data, identifying key genes and cell subtypes. This approach enables the analysis of all cell types, providing a method for comparative analysis.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 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.

Visualizing 'unfurling' microtubule growth

Microtubules form scaffolding for cell movement and division. Researchers at UC Davis discovered the mechanism behind their assembly, using an animation to illustrate TOG domains driving tubulin polymerization.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateNov 13, 2018

Rare fossil bird deepens mystery of avian extinctions

A newly discovered fossil from a 75-million-year-old bird reveals that enantiornithines were as advanced as modern birds in terms of flight. The fossil's unique features, including a deeper keeled breast bone and V-shaped wishbone, suggest a stronger and more agile wing structure.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPeerJ·DateNov 13, 2018