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Science News Archive November 2018 - Page 31


Page 31 of 42

Patients with untreated hearing loss incur higher health care costs over time

A new study reveals that patients with untreated hearing loss incur significantly higher total health care costs over time, totaling $22,434 per person over a decade. The study found that older adults with untreated hearing loss generated nearly 46% more in total health care costs compared to those without hearing loss.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateNov 8, 2018

Embryos remember the chemicals that they encounter

Researchers discover that embryonic cells retain a memory of chemical signals they encounter during development. Exposure to WNT and Activin signaling is necessary for differentiation, and cells can remember previous exposure to these signals, even if the signal is absent at the time of treatment.

SourceRockefeller University·DateNov 8, 2018

Ancient DNA evidence reveals two unknown migrations from North to South America

A study of ancient DNA from 49 individuals in Belize, Brazil, and the Central Andes reveals that most Central and South American ancestry originated from at least three different streams of people entering from North America. The research also detected two previously undocumented genetic exchanges between North and South America.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateNov 8, 2018

Double whammy for grieving spouses with sleep problems

A new study from Northwestern University finds that grieving spouses with sleep problems have a two-to-three times higher risk of chronic immune activation and increased inflammation, making them more susceptible to heart disease or cancer. Cognitive behavioral therapy is highly effective in treating sleep disturbances, and physicians ...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·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.

EPSRC announces £8 million capital awards to support early career researchers

The EPSRC has announced a £8 million capital investment in research equipment for 36 UK universities, supporting Early Career Researchers and enhancing their career development prospects. The institutions will use the funds to acquire specific equipment, host internal competitions, or invest in targeted groups or individuals.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateNov 8, 2018

Biomimetics: The chemical tricks of our blood

Researchers have created phthalocyanines with a ring structure resembling that of hemoglobin or chlorophyll, which can be switched into different states with green light, affecting their chemical behavior. This discovery opens up new avenues for biomimetics and the development of novel molecules optimized for nature-specific applications.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 8, 2018

Factors affecting turbulence scaling

Researchers investigate turbulence scaling in fluids at critical points, finding anisotropy and compressibility impact scaling behavior. Four types of scaling regimes identified, with anisotropy key to determining emerging behavior.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateNov 8, 2018

Ragweed may expand its range northward with climate change

A predictive model suggests common ragweed will expand its range into major northeast metro areas due to climate change, affecting millions with hay fever and asthma. The study found potential expansion at the northern margins of its current distribution, particularly in the northeast U.S.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalPLOS ONE·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.

Eye contact reduces lying

A study from the University of Tampere found that direct eye contact with someone can reduce subsequent lying. In an interactive experiment, participants played a lying game on a computer against another person, with the opponent's gaze being either direct or downward towards their screen.

SourceTampere University·JournalConsciousness and Cognition·DateNov 8, 2018

Baby 'boom' and 'bust': Nations' rates of childbirth vary significantly

The study found that 104 countries have high fertility rates, while 91 countries have low rates, posing challenges for meeting UN goals on deaths from non-communicable diseases and suicide. The global population is projected to continue growing despite declining total fertility rates.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 8, 2018

Using mice, Duke researchers identify how allergic shock occurs so quickly

Researchers used mouse models to track the immune cell triggering during anaphylactic shock, revealing a previously unknown mechanism in which dendritic cells mine blood vessels for allergens and rapidly deliver them to mast cells. This finding opens innovative lines of attack against deadly allergic reactions.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience·DateNov 8, 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.

A major role for a small organ in the immune response during pregnancy

Researchers found that the thymus, a small organ near the heart, maintains its output of T cells during pregnancy, which is essential for protecting against infection while tolerating the fetus. The study's findings may have implications for understanding autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis.

SourceLinköping University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateNov 8, 2018

Study tracks severe bleaching events on a Pacific coral reef over past century

Researchers have discovered a history of bleaching on a coral reef in the central Pacific, which has survived extreme heatwaves due to currents that bring cold, nutrient-rich water. The reef's ability to recover after severe bleaching events is crucial for understanding how other reefs may grow back in the future.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalCommunications Biology·DateNov 8, 2018

A burst of 'synchronous' light

Researchers at Empa and ETH Zurich have developed a novel quantum light source by arranging perovskite quantum dots into a three-dimensional superlattice. This enables the coherent collective emission of photons, creating ultrafast and bright superfluorescence.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature·DateNov 8, 2018

New magnetically controlled thrombolytic successfully passed preclinical testing

A new anti-thrombosis drug based on magnetite nanoparticles has been developed by ITMO University researchers. The drug successfully passed preclinical testing, showing a 20 times shorter clot dissolution time and a lower minimum dose required to achieve the therapeutic effect compared to traditional medications.

SourceITMO University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·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.

Top 10 chemistry start-ups

These start-ups are using chemistry to fight disease, control agricultural pests, and make safer lithium-ion batteries. The selected companies have ignited investor interest with their groundbreaking ideas.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateNov 8, 2018

Pilot study suggests pedal desks could address health risks of sedentary workplace

A recent pilot study by kinesiologists at UMass Amherst found that pedaling while working improved insulin responses to a test meal, with lower insulin levels observed when using a pedal desk compared to a standard desk. The study suggests that pedal desks could be a feasible solution for sedentary work environments.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateNov 8, 2018

Breast milk & babies' saliva shape oral microbiome

New research reveals that breastmilk and saliva interact to regulate the oral microbiome of newborn babies, boosting innate immunity. The combination releases antibacterial compounds that inhibit the growth of both harmless and harmful microorganisms.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 8, 2018

Self-assembling protein filaments designed and built from scratch

Researchers designed proteins that snap together spontaneously to form long, helical structures, mimicking natural protein filaments. The creation of these self-assembling filaments could lead to the development of new materials, including fibers stronger than spider silk and nano-scale wire circuitry.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·DateNov 8, 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.

Revealing the inner working of magnetic materials

Researchers have developed a new method to calculate the behavior of chromium nitride, a magnetic material used in industry and thermoelectric systems. The study found that spin-lattice coupling causes an anomalous shortening of phonon lifetime, leading to poor heat conductivity.

SourceLinköping University·DateNov 8, 2018

Ancient DNA reveals the complex genetic prehistory of the Americas

A comprehensive study of ancient American genomes suggests a highly complex peopling of the continent, with rapid and uneven expansion of populations. The analysis identifies new genetic groups and reveals adaptations to high-altitude environments in South America.

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

Cell behavior, once shrouded in mystery, is revealed in new light

University of Missouri researchers have developed a new microscope that allows them to observe individual proteins in an unfrozen sample. This breakthrough enables scientists to predict how cells will behave when new components are introduced, which could lead to the creation of more effective drugs with fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 8, 2018

One in 5 homicides of children 2 to 14 years of age is related to intimate partner violence

A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that one in five child homicides may be related to intimate partner violence. The research reveals significant discrepancies between reported data and actual cases, highlighting the need for improved reporting and prevention strategies to save children's lives.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateNov 8, 2018

Watch a 3D-engineered human heart tissue beat

Scientists have created a model of the upper chambers of the heart using 3D-engineered human heart tissue, which can serve as a tool for evaluating disease mechanisms and testing new drugs. The tissue is derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells and responds to atrial-selective drugs.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·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.

Culture may explain why brains have become bigger

A study published in PLOS Computational Biology suggests that human brain size increased significantly due to cultural factors and information availability. The cumulative cultural brain hypothesis proposes that brains expand to store and manage more information, co-evolving with group size, learning strategies, and life history.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 8, 2018

What could cause the Mississippi Bight to become hypoxic?

The Mississippi Bight region is expected to expand its low dissolved oxygen zones due to human impacts. Satellite data and field observations suggest the eastern delta region is similarly affected by river discharge.

SourceDauphin Island Sea Lab·JournalContinental Shelf Research·DateNov 8, 2018

Waking sleeping plants with plasmas

A team of Saudi Arabian scientists has discovered a way to control dormancy in grapes and other fruiting plants by subjecting them to high-tech plasmas. This method may help extend the cultivation of temperate zone crops to milder climates, mitigating problems caused by global warming.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 8, 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.

Brain activity pattern may be early sign of schizophrenia

Neuroscientists have identified a brain activity pattern that could predict the onset of schizophrenia. The study found abnormal connections in patients who later developed psychosis, which may help diagnose the disease earlier. Researchers are now exploring early interventions to combat symptoms and prevent psychiatric disorders.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 8, 2018

History of early settlement and survival in Andean highlands revealed by ancient genomes

Researchers uncovered genetic adaptations in ancient Andeans, including cardiovascular modifications and a starch-digesting enzyme variant, allowing them to thrive in the harsh environment. The study suggests that these adaptations enabled highlanders to survive European contact with less population decline than lowlanders.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 8, 2018

UCI scientists simplify and accelerate directed evolution bioengineering method

Researchers have developed a new technique that accelerates and simplifies the directed evolution bioengineering method, allowing for rapid mutation and evolution of genes in yeast cells. This breakthrough enables scientists to perform multiple evolutionary cycles continuously, leading to faster discovery of new proteins and enzymes.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalCell·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.

Gatekeeper for poison capsule

A team of researchers has fully unveiled the sophisticated mechanism of bacterial toxins, including the Tc toxin complex used by the plague bacterium and other germs. The study reveals a molecular gatekeeper that controls the poison's exit, offering new insights for developing innovative therapies to combat bacterial infections.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateNov 8, 2018

Brain signature of depressed mood unveiled in new study

A new study has identified a common pattern of brain activity linked to feelings of low mood and anxiety, particularly in individuals with a tendency towards depression. The findings could serve as a biomarker for developing new therapies to treat mood disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell·DateNov 8, 2018

Success in art may depend on breaking into high-prestige networks

A new study reveals that early access to high-prestige networks is key to an artist's success, with quality determined by display venues and art history ties rather than work itself. Researchers found a dense community of European and North American institutions exchanging artworks within their own high-prestige circles.

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

A new lens for microscopy has been developed

Physicists at Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University developed a mini transfocator, a variable focus lens for compact and mobile optical systems. The new design offers submicron resolution and is ideal for studying biological samples under extreme conditions.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalMicroscopy and Microanalysis·DateNov 8, 2018

Extending the life of low-cost, compact, lightweight batteries

Researchers at MIT have developed a new system to extend the shelf life of single-use metal-air batteries by introducing an oil barrier that protects the aluminum electrode from corrosion. The design has shown a thousandfold improvement in energy loss, enabling batteries to last up to 24 days without degradation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateNov 8, 2018

Anopheles mosquitoes could spread Mayaro virus in US, other diverse regions

A new study reveals that Anopheles mosquitoes, including species found in the US, can carry and transmit Mayaro virus, which causes fever, joint aches, and other symptoms. The researchers tested six mosquito species and found that all four Anopheles species were competent laboratory vectors of the virus.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 8, 2018
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Otago study calls for sugar tax

A New Zealand study suggests that sugary drinks contribute to an obesogenic environment, leading people to make unhealthy food choices. The researchers recommend implementing a sugar tax to encourage industry reformulation and individual responsibility for healthy consumption.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPeerJ·DateNov 8, 2018

Spacetime -- a creation of well-known actors?

Some physicists argue that spacetime may emerge from processes closer to reality, such as quarks and hadrons. The concept of spacetime has puzzled humanity for millennia, with some theories suggesting it's a dynamic creation while others propose it's an absolute arena for events.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalFoundations of Science·DateNov 8, 2018

One million years of precipitation history of the monsoon reconstructed

Scientists have reconstructed the monsoon's precipitation history over the past 1 million years using sediment cores from the eastern Indian Ocean. The results show that the monsoon was weaker during peak ice ages and strongest during interglacial warm periods, with fluctuations in the Earth's axis inclination playing a subordinate role.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 8, 2018

Yellowstone streams recovering thanks to wolf reintroduction

Research by Oregon State University scientists shows that large terrestrial carnivores can lead to improved stream structure and function in Yellowstone National Park. The return of wolves and cougars has resulted in increased willow height, canopy cover, and stream-bank stabilization, indicating a recovering riparian/aquatic ecosystem.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEcohydrology·DateNov 8, 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.

Florida monarch butterfly populations have dropped 80 percent since 2005

The study found that monarch caterpillars and butterflies have declined by 80 percent since 2005 in North Central Florida, mirroring the decline in Mexico. The researchers blame shrinking native milkweed populations and glyphosate use in agricultural fields for the decline.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalJournal of Natural History·DateNov 8, 2018

Explaining happiness

A study by researchers at the National Research University Higher School of Economics found that people tend to attribute their happiness to internal factors such as personality traits and control over their lives. However, when they are unhappy, they often blame external factors outside of their control.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalThe Journal of Positive Psychology·DateNov 8, 2018

'Bargaining while black' may lead to lower salaries

Research published by the American Psychological Association reveals that African-American job candidates receive lower salaries when evaluators believe they have negotiated too much. Racially biased individuals often hold negative stereotypes about African-American job seekers as less qualified or motivated than white applicants.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateNov 7, 2018

Graphene takes a step towards renewable fuel

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a method to produce graphene with several layers in a controlled process, enabling the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into renewable fuel. The graphene also exhibits superconducting properties when arranged in a special way.

SourceLinköping University·JournalCarbon·DateNov 7, 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.

Smoking during pregnancy may lead to childhood eye condition

Maternal smoking is associated with a higher risk of strabismus in children, which can lead to visual impairment and emotional problems. A study of 11 relevant articles found that maternal smoking during pregnancy increases the risk by up to 79 percent.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Ophthalmologica·DateNov 7, 2018

Tiny molecule has big effect in childhood brain tumor studies

Researchers discovered MiR-584-5p, a tiny molecule, can kill medulloblastoma and sensitizes cancer to chemotherapy and radiation. This could lead to treating the tumor with one-tenth the current required dose.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 7, 2018