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Science News Archive November 2018 - Page 30


Page 30 of 42

How many calories do you burn? It depends on time of day

Researchers discovered that people burn 10% more calories at rest in the late afternoon and early evening compared to the early morning hours. This finding highlights the importance of the circadian clock in regulating metabolism.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 8, 2018

Exploiting epigenetic variation for plant breeding

Scientists demonstrate that epigenetic variation in plants can be selected for and passed on through generations, enabling quick adaptation to environmental changes. This discovery opens new opportunities for crop breeding and could help plants thrive in a changing climate.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 8, 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.

What do metastatic cancer cells have in common with sharks?

Researchers have discovered that metastatic cancer cells follow a Lévy walk movement pattern, like sharks searching for food, which aids in their rapid spread and direction. The team was able to reprogram this behavior using chemical inhibitors, changing it back to more typical diffusive motion

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 8, 2018

Study demonstrates that long-term follow up in a trauma patient population is achievable

A recent study published in Academic Emergency Medicine demonstrated that long-term follow-up in a trauma patient population is feasible. The study used established contact strategies and various interview locations to track hard-to-reach populations. Researchers suggest exploring newer methods of contacting participants through techno...

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateNov 8, 2018

Men focused on muscle building struggle with binge drinking and other problems

A new study from NTNU and Harvard University reveals that young men who strive for an unattainable muscular body are at risk of depression, weekend binge drinking, and disordered eating. The study also shows that over one-third of young men have been on a diet in the past year, unrelated to obesity.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateNov 8, 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.

Social media use increases depression and loneliness

A University of Pennsylvania study found that limiting time on Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram leads to significant decreases in depression and loneliness. The researchers connected social media usage with decreased well-being through objective data tracking iPhone battery screens.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Social and Clinical Psychology·DateNov 8, 2018

See-through film rejects 70 percent of incoming solar heat

Researchers at MIT have developed a heat-rejecting film that can be applied to windows to reflect up to 70% of the sun's incoming heat. This innovative material could significantly reduce air conditioning costs and energy consumption, particularly in hot cities like Hong Kong.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJoule·DateNov 8, 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.

Can't sleep? Fruit flies and energy drinks offer new clues

A new study has discovered a mechanism for regulating sleep in fruit flies that involves glial cells and an ingredient commonly found in energy drinks like Red Bull. The researchers found that the gene Eaat2 promotes wakefulness by limiting the length and intensity of sleep periods.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 8, 2018

Decline in shorebirds linked to climate change, experts warn

A study analyzing population data over 70 years found that climate change is responsible for a substantial decline in shorebird populations. Rates of daily nest predation have increased threefold in the Arctic and doubled in the North Temperate Zone, leading to devastating effects on population numbers.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalScience·DateNov 8, 2018

A buzz-worthy surprise during the total solar eclipse

During the 2017 total solar eclipse, researchers captured a surprising phenomenon: bees stopped buzzing as Earth fell into complete darkness. The study, led by Candace Galen at the University of Missouri, found that bees did not use the unusual darkness as a cue for night and instead flew during periods of reduced light.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·DateNov 8, 2018

Blue light can reduce blood pressure

Exposure to whole-body blue light significantly reduces systolic blood pressure by almost 8 mmHg, similar to blood pressure lowering drugs. Blue light also improves other cardiovascular risk markers such as arterial stiffness and increased blood vessel relaxation.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateNov 8, 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.

Bees on the brink

A new study led by James Crall at Harvard University found that exposure to neonicotinoid pesticides has profound effects on a host of social behaviors in bees, including reduced nursing of larvae and decreased social interaction. The study also showed that pesticides impair bees' ability to regulate temperatures inside the nest.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateNov 8, 2018

Don't stare! Monkey gaze study shows dopamine's role in response inhibition

Researchers at University of Tsukuba found that dopamine neurons are key to inhibiting preplanned actions in monkeys, suggesting a possible mechanism for treating diseases with impaired inhibition. The study used gaze fixation experiments to train monkeys to redirect their attention and measure neuronal activity.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNeuron·DateNov 8, 2018

Species' longevity depends on brain cell numbers

Researchers found that brain cell numbers, not body size or metabolic rate, are the key factors determining maximal longevity in animals. The study suggests that a higher number of cortical neurons leads to longer lifespans and better adaptability.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Comparative Neurology·DateNov 8, 2018

When low-income families can meet their basic needs, children are healthier

Research from Children's HealthWatch highlights the importance of access to and effectiveness of programs enabling low-income families to afford basic needs like food, shelter, and medical care. The study found that living in a hardship-free family was associated with good overall health for children and caregivers.

SourceBoston Medical Center·DateNov 8, 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.

Rutgers awarded $4.2 million to improve mental health services

Rutgers is creating a regional Mental Health Technology Transfer Center to train mental health practitioners and support the implementation of evidence-based research. The center will focus on increasing access to treatment, prevention, and recovery services for underserved populations.

SourceRutgers University·DateNov 8, 2018

ThyroSeq test helps patients avoid unnecessary diagnostic thyroid surgery, study shows

A genetic test called ThyroSeq has been shown to reliably distinguish between benign and cancerous thyroid nodules using a small sample of cells. The test correctly identified cancerous nodules as positive 94% of the time and detected benign nodules as negative 82% of the time, preventing unnecessary diagnostic surgeries.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateNov 8, 2018

Navigating our thoughts: Fundamental principles of thinking

Researchers suggest that humans think using their brain's navigation system, storing information in cognitive spaces. This theory combines evidence from place and grid cells, allowing the formation of mental maps of surroundings and reactivated during later visits.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences·JournalScience·DateNov 8, 2018

Multiple sclerosis: Accumulation of B cells triggers nervous system damage

A recent study published in Nature Immunology found that B cell accumulation triggers nervous system damage in MS patients. The presence of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) regulates the number of B cells, and their absence leads to inflammation and tissue damage.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 8, 2018

Cranking up the power setting may help some who use prosthetics

A study by Hwan Choi and colleagues found that powered ankle prosthetics can reduce metabolic costs for individuals with transtibial amputations. By adjusting the power setting, users can improve their walking ability and increase activity levels, reducing the risk of health consequences such as diabetes and cardiac disease.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 8, 2018
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Investigational urate elevation does not appear to raise hypertension risk

A recent study from Massachusetts General Hospital found no association between urate manipulation and blood pressure, suggesting that treating neurodegenerative disorders with elevated urate levels may not increase the risk of hypertension. The study used phase 2 clinical trial results and animal model studies to support its findings.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalEBioMedicine·DateNov 8, 2018

The Lancet: Latest global disease estimates, combined with health worker shortfall, show that global progress in health is not inevitable

The Global Burden of Disease study reveals that global mortality rates for adults stagnated or worsened in some countries in 2017, with fertility rates declining globally. The report also highlights a shortage of healthcare workers, with half of countries facing a shortfall and only 41 having sufficient physicians to serve their popula...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 8, 2018

Catalyzing CO2

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new system that captures CO2 from power plants and heavy industry, converting it into industrial fuels with high efficiency. The improved system uses renewable electricity to reduce carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, addressing the two main challenges of cost and scalability.

SourceHarvard University·JournalJoule·DateNov 8, 2018

Unlocking the secrets of metal-insulator transitions

Researchers used XPCS to study magnetite's electrical conductivity transition from insulator to metallic, finding it occurs in two steps. The technique revealed that the fast phase is one step and the slowing down is the second step, suggesting that metallic and insulating properties coexist during the phase change.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 8, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Combination chemotherapy and immunotherapy effective in Phase II leukemia study

A Phase II study found a combination of azacitidine and nivolumab therapy resulted in a 33% overall response rate and 22% complete remission rate for patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia. The drug combination was particularly effective in patients who had not previously received hypomethylating agents, with an overa...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Discovery·DateNov 8, 2018

How do peptides penetrate cells? Two sides of the same coin

Scientists at IOCB Prague have discovered a previously unknown passive mechanism by which positively charged short peptides can penetrate cells. This process is based on membrane fusion induced by the transported peptides and shares the same mechanistic basis as known processes in neurons during nerve impulses.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2018

Grants aim to give veterans better access to cancer trials

The SWOG Cancer Research Network and The Hope Foundation for Cancer Research provide grant support to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers to enroll veterans in cancer clinical trials. This program aims to create a sustainable national network of sites offering new treatment options through clinical trials.

SourceSWOG·DateNov 8, 2018

We now know how RNA molecules are organized in cells

A team of Université de Montreal researchers has visualized RNA molecule organization in cells using super-resolution microscopy. They found that messenger RNAs exist in multiple configurations, contradicting the long-standing model of a stable closed-loop conformation.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 8, 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.

New tool to predict which plants will become invasive

A new research from the University of Vermont provides insight to help predict which plants are likely to become invasive in a particular community. Plant height can be a competitive advantage for non-native plants, enabling them to outcompete native plants and spread more aggressively.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 8, 2018

New ranking method could help hotels to maximize their revenue

Researchers have developed a new method to rank hotels more accurately, providing insights on areas that matter most to customers. The study found that facilities and staff are key factors in maximizing revenue for hotels.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·DateNov 8, 2018

Genetic 'whodunnit' for cancer gene solved

Researchers at the Salk Institute found that late-stage cancers trigger AMPK's cellular recycling signal to cannibalize cell pieces, supplying large lung tumors with nutrients. Blocking AMPK in some conditions may stop advanced tumor growth.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Metabolism·DateNov 8, 2018
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Traditional glaucoma test can miss severity of disease

A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that traditional glaucoma tests often underestimate the severity of central vision loss. Researchers developed a finer visual field test to assess macular damage and found it can improve diagnosis at no extra cost.

SourceColumbia University·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateNov 8, 2018

Researchers simplify tiny structures' construction drip by drip

Princeton researchers have created a way to construct tiny structures, such as soft lenses for smartphones, using a simple method that doesn't require special equipment. The technique uses a liquid film and lasers to create precise patterns of droplets, resulting in uniform hexagonal structures.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 8, 2018

Replaying the tape of life: Is it possible?

A review explores the complexity of evolution's predictability, revealing a mix of contingency and determinism in evolutionary change. The study analyzed various empirical studies to characterize repeatability and contingency in evolution, finding that there is no easy answer to whether history affects the repeatability of evolution.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience·DateNov 8, 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.

Gene signature discovery may predict response to immune therapy

Researchers have discovered a gene signature biomarker that can predict which patients will respond to immune therapy based on the extracellular matrix's stiffness around cancer cells. The study suggests that stiffening of the ECM barrier may physically block the immune system.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 8, 2018

Climate change flips the global pattern of shorebird nest predation

Climate change has led to a significant increase in nest predation rates among shorebirds worldwide, with Arctic regions experiencing higher rates than the tropics. This shift reverses the historical latitudinal gradient of predation, posing a critical threat to global shorebird populations.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 8, 2018

Powerful method probes small-molecule structures

Researchers have developed a faster and simpler technique to analyze the structures of small molecules, reducing the time needed for X-ray crystallography. This new method, microcrystal-electron diffraction (MicroED), allows scientists to study small-molecule structures at high resolution in under 30 minutes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateNov 8, 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.

Why modest goals are so appealing

Research led by INSEAD marketing professors found that people prefer small incremental goals over maintenance goals, even when there is no gap between the starting point and desired state. The brain's negativity bias plays a significant role in this preference, making modest attainment goals more appealing.

SourceINSEAD·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateNov 8, 2018

UK wine-making areas to rival Champagne revealed

Researchers have identified nearly 35,000 hectares of prime viticultural land in the UK, particularly in Kent, Sussex, and East Anglia, suitable for new and expanding vineyards. The areas found to be ideal for vineyard investment are drier, warmer, and more stable than established locations.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Land Use Science·DateNov 8, 2018

Harvard University receives transformational gift for Harvard Medical School

The $200-million commitment from the Blavatnik Family Foundation will fund fundamental curiosity-driven research, therapeutics initiatives, and cross-disciplinary collaborations. This transformational gift aims to propel Harvard Medical School toward solving pressing health challenges through innovative therapies and treatments.

SourceHarvard Medical School·DateNov 8, 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.

Biodiversity draws the ecotourism crowd

Research at Michigan State University found that better biodiversity leads to more tourists visiting protected areas. A 1% increase in biodiversity results in a 0.87% increase in annual visitors. Strategic management and local community participation can enhance economic development and livelihood benefits.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcosystem Services·DateNov 8, 2018

Metallic nanocatalysts imitate the structure of enzymes

A team of researchers has successfully replicated the internal channel structures of natural enzymes in metallic nanoparticles, resulting in three times greater catalytic activity. The study focused on the oxygen reduction reaction and found that active centers within the channels enhanced reaction efficiency.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 8, 2018

EEG identifies brain signal that correlates with depression and anxiety

Researchers identified a unique frequency of brainwaves associated with communication between the amygdala and hippocampus, which correlates with worsening mood related to depression and anxiety. The study used intracranial EEG to measure brainwave activity in epilepsy patients and found fluctuations in electrical activity at a specifi...

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateNov 8, 2018

Novel strategy appears to protect retina when disease reduces oxygen

Scientists discover enzyme arginase 1 plays protective role in retinal health by suppressing inflammation and promoting recovery. Administering pegylated arginase 1 reduces inflammation and subsequent damage following reperfusion injury, offering potential new treatment for neurovascular injury.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalCell Death and Disease·DateNov 8, 2018

Can stimulating the brain treat chronic pain?

Researchers successfully targeted and enhanced alpha oscillations in the somatosensory cortex, resulting in significant decreases in symptoms associated with chronic lower back pain. The study suggests that non-invasive treatment strategies like transcranial alternating current stimulation may one day be used to treat chronic pain.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Pain·DateNov 8, 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.