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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.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 2018

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.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateOct 31, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateOct 31, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UMass Medical School study safely delivers RNAi-based gene therapy for ALS in animal model

A new study by UMass Medical School researchers successfully delivers RNAi-based gene therapy to silence SOD1 protein mutations linked to ALS without adverse effects. The therapy, delivered via a viral vector, achieved silencing of over 90% in some motor neurons, suggesting a safe and potentially one-time treatment for humans.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 31, 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.

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.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateOct 31, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateOct 31, 2018

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.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 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.

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.

SourceStockholm University·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 2018

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...

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalHuman Fertility·DateOct 31, 2018

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.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalArchives of Gynecology and Obstetrics·DateOct 31, 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.

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 31, 2018

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.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEuropean Journal of Personality·DateOct 31, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 31, 2018

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.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 31, 2018

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.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 31, 2018

New study found deep sea chemical dispersants ineffective in Deepwater Horizon oil spill

Researchers analyzed data from the BP Gulf Science Data and found no correlation between subsea dispersants and deep plume formation, showing substantial amounts of oil continued to surface. The study suggests alternative strategies such as the 'capping stack' method and bio-surfactants may be more effective in managing blowouts.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateOct 31, 2018

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 31, 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.

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalObesity Surgery·DateOct 31, 2018

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.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalEcological Indicators·DateOct 31, 2018

Off-patent drug appears promising as broad-spectrum antifungal

Researchers identified alexidine dihydrochloride as a pan-antifungal compound with low mammalian cell toxicity and efficacy against biofilms. The compound potentiates fluconazole's effectiveness and eradicates biofilms in mice central venous catheters.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSphere·DateOct 31, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·DateOct 31, 2018

Hot brew coffee has higher levels of antioxidants than cold brew

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that hot-brewed coffee contains higher levels of antioxidants than cold-brew coffee. This contradicts the popular perception that cold brew is less acidic and thus less likely to cause gastrointestinal problems.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 31, 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.

Stress protein could be used to prevent childhood obesity in males

Researchers identified SIRT1 as a key player in reducing the likelihood of obesity and related metabolic disorders in boys. Increased SIRT1 levels in male offspring prevented excessive weight gain, improved blood sugar regulation, and reduced liver fat content.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateOct 31, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNutrition Research Reviews·DateOct 31, 2018

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.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 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.

Two-cells-in-one combo therapy could bolster leukemia treatment

A new delivery system combines blood platelets with stem cells to guide drugs into the bone marrow, where leukemia begins. In mice with acute myeloid leukemia, this therapy halted disease progression and achieved a cure rate of 87.5%.

SourceUCLA Samueli School of Engineering·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateOct 31, 2018

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.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 31, 2018

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.

SourceMichigan Technological University·DateOct 31, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 31, 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.

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.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalZooKeys·DateOct 31, 2018

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.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalBiology Letters·DateOct 31, 2018

UCSC chemists develop safe alternatives to phthalates used in plastics

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have developed nonmigratory plasticizers that attach to PVC polymer via a chemical bond, reducing leaching and potential health risks. The 'tadpole' plasticizer is particularly promising due to its ease of production and effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalJournal of Polymer Science·DateOct 31, 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.

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.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·DateOct 31, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 31, 2018
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.