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Science News Archive October 2018


Page 1 of 47

A wilderness 'horror story'

Conservation scientists find that only 23% of the world's landmass can be considered wilderness, with the rest lost to human activities. Wilderness areas are crucial buffers against climate change and provide refuges for declining species.

Reproducing pediatric kidney disease from human iPS cells

Researchers have successfully developed kidney tissue that exhibits the early stages of congenital kidney disease using iPS cells from a patient with a nephrin mutation. The study found that repairing the nephrin mutation can normalize abnormalities and may lead to the development of effective drugs for kidney disease.

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.

Tracking Aedes aegypti across the ages with vector genomics

Researchers track Aedes aegypti's evolution and spread using genomic techniques, revealing its historical traversal of slave trade routes and beyond. The study provides insights into the domesticated mosquito species' role in spreading diseases like yellow fever, dengue, and Zika.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Biomarker discovered for most common form of heart failure

A team of researchers has discovered a biomarker, named cBIN1 Score, that measures muscle deterioration and protein regulation in the heart, indicating onset of heart failure. This simple blood test can aid doctors in diagnosing at-risk patients before symptoms appear.

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.

Previously jailed vets at increased risk of suicide

Researchers found that previously jailed veterans are 3-5 times more likely to attempt suicide compared to their peers, regardless of age or additional risk factors. This is due to reduced social connections and increased stigma upon release from prison.

Gut bacteria may control movement

A recent study published in Nature suggests that gut bacteria play a crucial role in regulating movement in fruit flies. The researchers found that specific bacterial strains, such as Lactobacillus brevis, can slow down the speed of germ-free flies by fine-tuning levels of carbohydrates.

Mycoplasma pathogens sneaking past our line of defense

New research reveals that Mycoplasma pathogens produce DNA building blocks using a metal-free process, which may enable them to survive and multiply despite a lack of metals. This unique strategy has been found in bacteria that infect mucosal surfaces in the respiratory and genital tracts.

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.

Single women freeze their eggs to avoid 'panic parenting,' study finds

A new study published in Human Fertility found that single women who freeze their eggs for non-medical reasons are trying to avoid 'panic parenting.' The research also highlights the need for clearer information about the likelihood of having a baby with these eggs. Many participants reported feeling emotionally difficult and unsupport...

Flexy, flat and functional magnets

Researchers have discovered a new class of 2D magnetic materials with promising applications in electronics. These ultra-thin layers exhibit unique properties, such as ferromagnetism, antiferromagnetism, and magnetism control, which can be manipulated electrically or optically.

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.

Neonatal birthweights increase in direct proportion to number of births

Researchers found that neonatal birthweights increase in direct proportion with the number of births in at least 30 percent of cases. Large for gestational age (LGA) weight infants are at risk for complications and recurrence, according to a new study published in Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics.

NASA's CloudSat gets a slice of Typhoon Yutu's eye

CloudSat flew over Typhoon Yutu on October 28, 2018, revealing a cirrus-free eye with an outward sloping eyewall. The storm was weakening due to unfavorable atmospheric conditions. The satellite's radar captured intense areas of convection and cloud-free areas underneath the northern portion of the cirrus canopy.

Earth's oceans have absorbed 60 percent more heat than previously thought

A recent study led by Princeton University researchers found that the world's oceans have absorbed 13 zettajoules of heat energy per year between 1991 and 2016, exceeding previous estimates by 60%. This increase in ocean warming suggests that Earth is more sensitive to fossil-fuel emissions than previously thought.

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.

Diagnosing and treating personality disorders needs a dynamic approach

Researchers argue that traditional trait-based approaches are insufficient for understanding personality dynamics and variation over time. A new dynamic view of personality traits and disorders may provide more guidance for intervention, helping individuals with personality disorders improve their lives.

Changes to RNA aid the process of learning and memory

A study published in Nature reveals that the RNA modification m6A facilitates learning and memory in mice by promoting translation through the Ythdf1 reader protein. The researchers found that knockout mice showed significant deficits in spatial learning and fear memory, but these deficits were reversible upon re-expression of Ythdf1.

Baby-naming trends reveal ongoing quest for individuality

Historical analysis of over 22 million UK baby names reveals shifts in societal values and cultural diversity from Victorian era to present day. The use of distinctive names has become increasingly popular, with experts attributing this to increased exposure and desire for individuality.

A record-long polymer DNA negative

A team of Polish-American-Italian researchers has successfully created a record-long polymer DNA negative, featuring a sequence with all four nucleobases. The synthetic molecule functions chemically like a normal strand of deoxyribonucleic acid and demonstrates improved properties over natural DNA.

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.

New insight into the mechanism of the drug against sclerosis and psoriasis

A multidisciplinary research team has provided fundamental new insight into the mechanism of dimethyl fumarate, a medical drug used to treat multiple sclerosis and psoriasis. The results describe an allosteric covalent inhibition of p90 ribosomal S6 kinases, pointing to an effective mechanism of kinase inhibition.

NASA gets an infrared view of Hurricane Oscar

Strongest thunderstorms were found west and northwest of the center with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is expected to remain powerful over the north-central and northeastern Atlantic Ocean into the weekend.

Could bariatric surgery make men more virile?

A review of 28 studies found that bariatric surgery increased testosterone levels and improved erectile function in obese men, but had no impact on sperm parameters. However, nutritional malabsorption may counterbalance these hormonal changes.

Photos in social media reveal socio-cultural value of landscapes

Researchers at KIT developed a method to analyze social media photos to draw conclusions about the socio-cultural importance of natural landscapes. By analyzing tags and content, they identified cultural hotspots and understood how people use areas for leisure activities or nature appreciation.

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.

World's last wilderness may vanish

The world has lost over 77% of land and 87% of ocean to human modifications, with only polar regions remaining untouched. International conservation targets are urgently needed to protect the last remaining wilderness.

Colectomy associated with increased risk of diabetes

Researchers found a link between colectomy and increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study, analyzing data from over 46,000 patients, suggests the colon plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Gaps in understanding European children's nutrient intake levels

A study by the University of Leeds highlights inconsistencies in European national diet surveys, leaving many countries' nutrient intakes unknown. The research found that only a third of European countries have robust reporting on child and adolescent nutrient intakes, making it difficult to design and monitor nutritional policies.

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.

Breakthrough neurotechnology for treating paralysis

A new rehabilitation protocol combining targeted electrical stimulation and weight-assisted therapy enables paraplegics to walk again, even without stimulation. All three study participants regained voluntary control of leg muscles after just one week and maintained improvements for five months.

WSU researchers discover new clues on how sleep works in the brain

Astrocytes communicate with neurons to regulate sleep time in fruit flies, a finding that suggests a similar mechanism may exist in mammals. The study used fruit flies to identify mechanisms of sleep regulation and found that a protein called Eiger plays a critical role in regulating sleep.

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.

High-resolution MRI imaging inspired by the humble antenna

Researchers at Michigan Tech have developed a new approach to high-frequency MRI machines by using radio frequency probes inspired by microstrip patch antennas. These designs increase MRI resolution and provide uniform magnetic fields, leading to better images.

Oxygen levels impact on species' ability and willingness to fight

New research by University of Plymouth scientists found that different oxygen levels in the marine environment can affect an individual's resources of strength and stamina, leading to changes in fighting ability. The study showed that conditions can prompt fights and alter an individual's motivation.

Scholars: Estonian soil is surprisingly rich in species

A collaborative study analyzed over 5700 individual samples from 300 localities across Estonia, discovering 52 species of Myriapoda. Notably, six species were found to be at their range limits, while one was introduced by humans.

Widely used mosquito repellent proves lethal to larval salamanders

A new study found that picaridin-containing insect repellents can be lethal to larval salamanders, causing severe mortality and developmental deformities. The research suggests that environmentally realistic concentrations of picaridin may increase the abundance of adult mosquitoes due to reduced predation pressure.

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.

Goethe University intensifies research on rare diseases

The European Joint Programme and Goethe University will develop tools to integrate and standardize patient data for rare disease research. The university will receive the largest funding sum of all participating German institutions, with a focus on developing open-source registration platforms.

Sussex breakthrough prepares quantum computers to leave the lab

Scientists at the University of Sussex have developed a method to reduce disruptive environmental effects on trapped ion quantum computers. The breakthrough enables the creation of large-scale quantum computers capable of solving complex problems, with potential applications in fields such as medicine, finance, and agriculture.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.