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Science News Archive November 2018 - Page 25


Page 25 of 42

Pancreatic cancer's addiction could be its end

Researchers identified TP63 as the culprit behind aggressive pancreatic cancer's addictive behavior. Suppressing its activity could lead to a tumor's demise. The study aims to understand why TP63 gets active in some patients' pancreas, with the goal of developing a treatment to improve their survival.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 13, 2018

NASA analyzed Tropical Cyclone Alcide's rainfall before dissipation

The Global Precipitation Measurement mission provided detailed insights into Tropical Cyclone Alcide's heavy rainfall, revealing convective storms dropping rain at rates of over 255 mm/h. The satellite data showed the most powerful storms were located in the western eye wall, reaching heights above 16 km.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·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.

Blocking 'secondary cataracts'

Researchers are exploring ways to prevent secondary cataracts, a condition that occurs when scar tissue forms in the eye after surgery. Melinda Duncan's team has made several discoveries, including molecules critical for forming PCO scar tissue, and is working on a drug to block this potentially blinding condition.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateNov 13, 2018

Stealth-cap technology for light-emitting nanoparticles

Researchers developed stealth-cap technology to increase stability and biocompatibility of light-transducing nanoparticles. The new nanoparticles are water-soluble, stable in complex body fluids, and can store medications like cancer drugs.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 13, 2018

Studies examine availability of opioid-overdose antidote at pharmacies

Two studies found that fewer than 25% of California retail pharmacies dispense naloxone without a physician's prescription, and 69% of Texas chain pharmacies reported having the medication in stock. The studies aimed to assess naloxone accessibility after legislation allowed pharmacists to provide the antidote without a prescription.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 13, 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.

Pressure helps to make better Li-ion batteries

Scientists have discovered a new strategy to enhance the conductivity of lithium titanium oxide (LTO) anode materials for Li-ion batteries. By applying high pressure, LTO can transform into an amorphous phase that displays better conductivity. The findings provide insight into the relationship between structure and conducting properties.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 13, 2018

Detecting light in a different dimension

Scientists improved graphene's response to light by 600% using self-assembling wire-like nanostructures. The new design enhances light absorption and charge transfer, enabling faster detection of low-level light in various applications.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalACS Photonics·DateNov 13, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The dawn of a new era for genebanks

A world collection of over 22,000 barley varieties has been characterised at the molecular level, enabling effective use of genebank collections in research and breeding. The dataset guides the identification of duplicate samples and provides insights into global barley diversity.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 13, 2018

Synthetic DNA-delivered antibodies protect against Ebola in preclinical studies

Scientists at The Wistar Institute have successfully engineered novel DNA-encoded monoclonal antibodies targeting Zaire Ebolavirus, which offered complete and long-term protection against lethal virus challenges. The study provides a simple, rapid, and reproducible approach for immunization and evaluation of antibody efficacy.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalCell Reports·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.

Climate change damaging male fertility

New research from the University of East Anglia reveals that heatwaves can halve male reproductive fitness, reducing offspring production by three-quarters. The study found that heatwaves also damage inseminated sperm within female reproductive tracts, leading to reduced fertility and population viability.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 2018

Your heart hates air pollution; portable filters could help

Researchers found that using low-cost portable air purifiers at home significantly lowered urban seniors' fine particulate matter exposure and blood pressure. The study showed a 40% reduction in air pollutant exposure and an average of 3.4 mm Hg decrease in systolic blood pressure.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·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.

Identification of mechanisms of pesticide resistance in cattle ticks

A study in Scientific Reports identifies mechanisms of pesticide resistance in cattle ticks, which contribute to significant economic losses. The study reveals that the ticks' ability to detoxify toxicants, including ivermectin, is a key factor in their resistance.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 13, 2018

USPSTF recommendation statement on screening and behavioral counseling interventions to reduce unhealthy alcohol use in adolescents and adults

The USPSTF recommends screening adults 18 and older for unhealthy alcohol use in primary care settings. Brief behavioral counseling interventions can also help reduce hazardous drinking. In contrast, the evidence is insufficient regarding screening in adolescents 12-17. The goal is to prevent premature death and birth defects related t...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·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.

Mathematical understanding of Bell nonlocality and quantum steering

Bell nonlocality and EPR steering are characterized using strict definitions, establishing a foundation for defining metric functions of Bell locality and EPR steering. The study generalizes previous results and provides sufficient conditions for determining the quantum state's EPR steerability.

SourceScience China Press·DateNov 13, 2018

New scheduling system could help reduce flight delays

Researchers developed a new scheduling system that considers the actual cost of delayed passengers, including missed connections and rebooking costs. The system reduced delay costs by up to 6.4% and minimized flight delays by 8.6-65.4%.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Air Transport Management·DateNov 13, 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.

Purple bacteria 'batteries' turn sewage into clean energy

Researchers have discovered a way to harness the power of purple phototrophic bacteria to recover valuable biofuels from organic waste in wastewater treatment plants. By using an electric current to optimize metabolic output, they can generate hydrogen gas with near-100% carbon recovery and minimal CO2 emissions.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Energy Research·DateNov 13, 2018

Increasing CD and microchip capacity 100-fold

The new material allows for more data to be stored on CDs and microchips, with potential applications in high-density memories and devices that mimic human brains. It also addresses a problem called drift, which affects current materials' stability.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateNov 13, 2018

Fewer Canadians winning major health research prizes

A decline in Canadian-based researchers winning major health research prizes has been observed over the past few decades. Funding patterns and inconsistent government funding may be contributing factors to this trend.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 12, 2018

New framework pushes the limits of high-performance computing

Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed BespoKV, a novel framework that enables high-performance computing (HPC) data systems to thrive with flexibility and scalability. By leveraging key value systems in an innovative way, supercomputers can process huge amounts of data efficiently.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateNov 12, 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.

Synthetic molecule invades double-stranded DNA

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a synthetic molecule that can recognize and bind to double-stranded DNA or RNA under normal physiological conditions. The Janus gamma PNAs have an extraordinarily high binding energy and can be designed to target genomic DNA for gene editing and transcriptional regulation.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateNov 12, 2018

Citizens prefer landscapes that combine nature with built infrastructure

A pioneering study analyzing social media photos found citizens favor natural landscapes integrated with grey infrastructure, such as buildings, roads, and bridges. Proximity to these areas, especially those accessible by public transport, plays a critical role in landscape aesthetics.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalLand Use Policy·DateNov 12, 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.

Global warming has never stopped in the past hundred years

A new study reveals that global warming continued unabated since the Industrial Revolution, with a constant rate of change after World War II. The hiatus, often attributed to internal variability and external forcing, is actually a decadal balance between global warming and cooling from anomalous sea surface temperatures in the equator...

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 12, 2018

'Strongest evidence yet' that being obese causes depression

Researchers found that being overweight causes depression, rather than associated illnesses such as diabetes. The study used genomic data from over 48,000 people with depression and compared them to a control group of over 290,000 people.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateNov 12, 2018

New records in perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells through improved light management

Researchers have developed a new approach to improve the efficiency of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells by using textures and a polymer light management foil. This design achieved an efficiency of 25.5%, outperforming previous records, and has the potential to reach up to 32.5% with further improvements.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateNov 12, 2018

Increasing iodine deposition in alpine ice

Researchers report a three-fold increase in atmospheric iodine deposition since 1950 due to increased oceanic emissions driven by enhanced ozone levels from nitrogen oxide emissions. The French Alps' summer iodine concentrations tripled between 1950 and 1995, consistent with chemical transport model simulations.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 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.

Pulling the genome apart: Chromosome segregation during mitosis explained

A study published in Nature Cell Biology reveals the importance of the CENP-T pathway in ensuring accurate and timely chromosome segregation during cell division. The research, led by Osaka University, shows that this pathway is essential for successful mitosis and could lead to therapeutic options for diseases involving dysfunctional ...

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateNov 12, 2018

From beaker to solved 3D structure in minutes

A joint UCLA/Caltech team has developed a new technique to determine the 3D structures of small molecules, such as hormones and medications, in under 30 minutes. The method uses micro-electron diffraction and relies on the presence of tiny crystals within the samples.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalACS Central Science·DateNov 12, 2018

Less surveillance needed for simple ovarian cysts

A new study of over 72,000 women found that simple ovarian cysts are normal and extremely common, with no association to a higher risk of ovarian cancer. Simple cysts should be considered normal findings in women of any age and can be safely ignored unless symptomatic.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 12, 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.

Scientists shine new light on link between obesity and cancer

Scientists have discovered that excess fat in obese individuals clogs up the molecular machinery of Natural Killer cells, preventing them from killing tumour cells. This research outlines possible paths to re-programming and restoring the cancer-fighting abilities of these cells.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 12, 2018

Mutations, CRISPR, and the biology behind movement disorders

Scientists discovered how mutations in the IP3R1 protein contribute to degenerative movements disorders like spinocerebellar ataxias. By disrupting calcium release, these mutations impair motor control and lead to cerebellum dysfunction.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2018

Escape responses of coral reef fish obey simple behavioral rules

A new study reveals that coral reef fish employ a sequence of well-defined decision rules to generate evasion behavior in complex natural environments. The escape response is influenced by the perceived size and expansion rate of the threat stimulus, as well as the location of nearby safe shelter.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 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.

Putative epigenetic signatures of chronic undernutrition

A study reveals putative epigenetic signatures of chronic undernutrition tied to growth stunting in humans. Chronic undernutrition can result in persistent effects throughout adulthood, with changes in histone methylation patterns found in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from undernourished children.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2018

Obesity both feeds tumors and helps immunotherapy kill cancer

A groundbreaking new study by UC Davis researchers has found that obesity can hinder immunotherapy treatments, but also improve survival rates in some obese patients. The study discovered that increased leptin levels in obese individuals correlate with enhanced expression of PD-1 checkpoint protein.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 12, 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.

Patients' own cells and materials used to create personalized tissue implants of any kind

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a personalized tissue implant technology that uses patients' own cells and materials, allowing for the creation of any type of tissue implant with minimal immune response risk. This breakthrough has the potential to regenerate damaged or diseased organs with high efficiency.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 12, 2018

No cooperation without open communication

Researchers develop a new, more realistic model of human interaction, finding that cooperation is unstable without open communication. The study reveals that even a single difference of opinion can lead to dramatic effects and polarization in the population.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2018

New insights into the aging brain

A new study reveals that klotho acts as a shield between the brain and immune system, protecting against age-related cognitive decline. The research found that low levels of klotho in the choroid plexus lead to increased brain inflammation, which can impair brain functions.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2018

Trends in opioid prescriptions in children, adolescents

Since 2012, prescription opioids dispensed to children and adolescents have decreased, with an average of 4 per 1,000 children receiving an outpatient opioid prescription in 2009-2012. Long-term opioid prescription use has also declined since the start of 2017.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateNov 12, 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.

Kawasaki disease: One disease, multiple triggers

Researchers have found evidence of multiple environmental triggers for Kawasaki Disease, with clusters associated with distinct atmospheric patterns and warmer conditions in Southern California. Gene expression analysis revealed distinct groups of patients based on their gene expression pattern, suggesting varying causes for the disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 12, 2018