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Science News for October 12, 2018


Economic analysis provides watershed moment for environmental groups

A new study by Oregon State University economists found that watershed groups in the US have a positive impact on local water quality. The researchers analyzed data from 2,150 watersheds and found that increased group activity was associated with improved water quality.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2018

Widespread errors in 'proofreading' cause inherited blindness

Scientists discovered that mistakes in proofreading the genetic code of retinal cells lead to a form of inherited blindness, retinitis pigmentosa. The study, published in Nature Communications, offers hope for a new gene therapy treatment.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 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.

Religious freedom laws linked to poor health in LGBT people

A national analysis found a significant increase in unhealthy days among sexual minorities in Indiana following the passage of a Religious Freedom Restoration Act. This rise was not seen in neighboring states or heterosexual populations, suggesting the law's impact on public health.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Orthopsychiatry·DateOct 12, 2018

Early changes to synapse gene regulation may cause Alzheimer's disease

A Japanese team of researchers found that early changes to synapse gene regulation, including the phosphorylation of SRRM2 protein, can lead to Alzheimer's disease. This discovery offers new insights into the pathology of AD and may suggest possibilities for gene therapies using virus vectors.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateOct 12, 2018

Potential therapy for treatment-resistant hypothyroidism proves effective in lab study

Researchers at Rush University Medical Center developed a metal-coordinated molecule, poly-zinc-liothyronine (PZL), which works well in laboratory studies and may provide an improved therapy for all hypothyroid patients. PZL's slow release of active hormone can supplement standard therapy, offering a more effective solution for treatme...

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalThyroid·DateOct 12, 2018

An RNA key that unlocks innate immunity

A new study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry has identified a human RNA molecule called nc886 as a potent activator of the innate immune system. The RNA molecule's ability to turn on protein OAS sets off a chain of events that destroys viruses.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 12, 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.

A new study indicates the possibility to monitor the progression of Alzheimer's disease by monitoring major brain antioxidant levels using noninvasive techniques

Researchers have identified glutathione, a key brain antioxidant, as significantly depleted in Alzheimer's patients compared to healthy individuals. Non-invasive imaging techniques revealed that lower levels of this antioxidant are associated with mild cognitive impairment and may hold potential for therapeutic development.

SourceIOS Press·DateOct 12, 2018

Is there a benefit to switching from flash monitoring to RT-CGM for hypoglycemia?

Researchers found that switching to real-time continuous glucose monitoring (RT-CGM) significantly reduced time spent in hypoglycemia among adults with type 1 diabetes at high risk of hypoglycemia. The study also showed that continuing RT-CGM for an additional 8 weeks maintained the benefits of this option

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateOct 12, 2018

A new way to create molecules for drug development

Researchers at Ohio State University developed a new method to generate ketyl radicals, enabling the design of new synthetic drugs. The process uses manganese as a catalyst activated by an LED light, resulting in more controlled, wasteful, and selective product formation.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience·DateOct 12, 2018

Promising new therapeutic approach against Ebola virus identified

Researchers have developed a two-pronged approach targeting Ebola virus infection using linked nucleic acid (LNA) antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). The study demonstrates effective targeting of two Ebola viral genes and the ability to prevent infectivity via Niemann-Pick C1.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNucleic Acid Therapeutics·DateOct 12, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Basophils -- Underestimated players in lung development

Researchers have discovered that basophils, immune cells long believed to only cause allergic reactions, are essential for proper lung development and homeostasis. They interact with other cell types to produce growth factors and cytokines, suggesting a potential target for novel immunotherapies in lung diseases.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalCell·DateOct 12, 2018

MDI Biological Laboratory awarded NIH grant to promote data literacy

The MDI Biological Laboratory has received a five-year, $1.2 million grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences to promote data literacy among high school students and teachers. The project aims to address the contamination of well water in Maine and New Hampshire with arsenic, which can lead to severe health problems.

SourceMDI Biological Laboratory·DateOct 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.

Early Alzheimer's brain pathology linked to psychiatric symptoms

Researchers have found that Alzheimer's disease is closely linked to neuropsychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. The study used brains from over 1,000 healthy adults aged 50+, finding that AD pathology was present in many individuals who didn't show classic cognitive symptoms.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateOct 12, 2018

Does climate vary more from century to century when it is warmer?

Century-scale climate variability was enhanced when the Earth was warmer during the Last Interglacial period compared to current interglacial conditions. The study reveals series of century-scale arid events in southern Europe and cold water-mass expansions in the North Atlantic.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 12, 2018

Building a better battery layer by layer

Researchers at Shinshu University developed a self-assembled monolayer coating that promotes efficient transportation within electrodes, suppressing side reactions in high-voltage lithium-ion batteries. The coating improved power density and cyclability, allowing the battery to maintain capacity even after 100 cycles.

SourceShinshu University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 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.

A new mechanism for how animal cells stay intact

Researchers at Stanford University have found a unique way that animal cells stay intact in the marine organism Trichoplax adhaerens (Tplax), using fast contractions in its epithelial layers. This discovery could inform our understanding of complex animals and the creation of advanced materials.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2018

Classifying microbes differently leads to discovery

A new study suggests that changing how microbes are classified can reveal clearer patterns of similarity between closely related mammals in terms of their gut microbiomes. The researchers propose an alternative approach to classification based on evolutionary history, which helps uncover meaningful units among microbes.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalmBio·DateOct 12, 2018

Why don't we understand statistics? Fixed mindsets may be to blame

A study found that fixed mindsets can lead to difficulties in solving statistical problems, even when simpler solutions are available. The researchers suggest that a lack of education in natural frequencies may be the cause, and hope to encourage curriculum designers to incorporate this concept into school mathematics and statistics.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateOct 12, 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.

Tropical moths in the mountains are larger

Researchers from Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena studied the correlation between tropical moth size and elevation, finding clear patterns in their measurements. Moths from two species-rich families increase significantly in size at higher elevations, contradicting expectations under the Bergmann rule.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalEcography·DateOct 12, 2018

UT Dallas study provides fuller picture of the human cost from terrorist attacks

A new study from The University of Texas at Dallas analyzes the impact of terrorism injuries, estimating that victims lost an average of 12,628 years of healthy life due to injuries. The study puts the annual toll of terrorist attacks in context with other causes of death, highlighting the devastating human cost of these events.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalPublic Choice·DateOct 12, 2018

Calm the immune system, halt premature birth

Researchers at University of Connecticut have discovered a potential treatment for premature birth by targeting the immune system. Studies in mice suggest that inhibiting granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) could prevent preterm labor and birth.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalReproductive Sciences·DateOct 12, 2018

Unapproved ingredients in over-the-counter supplements

A study analyzed FDA warnings from 2007-2016 and identified over 700 dietary supplements with unapproved pharmaceutical ingredients. Most of these products were marketed for sexual enhancement, weight loss, or muscle building, highlighting the need for stricter regulation of over-the-counter supplements.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 12, 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.

NASA tracks post-Tropical Cyclone Michael's heavy rains to Northeastern US

NASA satellite imagery revealed heavy rainfall affecting eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the northeastern US, with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission found the heaviest rainfall falling at a rate of over 1.6 inches per hour south of Long Island, New York.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 12, 2018

Irrigating vegetables with wastewater in African cities may spread disease

A new study reveals that urban farmers in African cities are unknowingly spreading disease by irrigating vegetables with wastewater rich in virulent human pathogens. The risk of spreading bacteria and antimicrobial resistance among humans and animals is high, posing a significant health threat to millions of people.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateOct 12, 2018

NASA sees Sergio's rains sweep into the US Southwest

Tropical Storm Sergio brings heavy rain to Baja California, Mexico, and southern Arizona, with cloud top temperatures reaching -63 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is expected to weaken and move over northwestern Mexico before dissipating on Saturday.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 12, 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.

High-performance self-assembled catalyst for SOFC

A new catalyst has been developed to improve Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) performance by forming a self-assembled alloy at the surface. The catalyst was tested using methane gas directly, operating stably for over 500 hours with four times higher reaction efficiency than previous catalysts.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateOct 12, 2018

Liver-on-a-chip, the ideal test environment for CRISPR

A multidisciplinary team applies CRISPR on a human liver-on-a-chip platform to identify biomarkers for toxicity and off-target effects. The study aims to predict liver tissue response in humans and develop effective gene editing tools.

SourceArizona State University·DateOct 12, 2018

Sidestepping the pitfalls of overconfidence with plausible deniability

A study by Nathan Meikle reveals that expressing confidence nonverbally can reduce the risk of being punished for overconfidence. People can reap the rewards of confidence while sidestepping potential costs through plausible deniability, a strategy used by politicians and business leaders to maintain status and influence.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 12, 2018

Satellite finds wind shear battering Tropical Storm Nadine

Tropical Storm Nadine is experiencing severe vertical wind shear, causing the bulk of its clouds to shift northeast. The storm's maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 45 mph, with forecasts indicating it will weaken further and dissipate by Sunday.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 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.

Microfluidic molecular exchanger helps control therapeutic cell manufacturing

Researchers developed a microfluidic technique to monitor specific biomolecules, indicating the health of living cell cultures. The technique uses electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and can detect low concentrations of biomolecules, guiding process control and improving quality control in cell manufacturing.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·DateOct 12, 2018

Simple, cost effective treatment following failed back surgery shows promise

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine developed a simplified procedure called SEAL to remove scar tissue and adhesions that contribute to post-surgical low back pain. The study found short-to-moderate term pain relief in 74% of patients, with over 40% experiencing greater than 50% pain relief after three years.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPain Medicine·DateOct 12, 2018

Is the next big step in cancer therapy personalized vaccines?

A clinical trial at UC San Diego Health is testing personalized vaccines that use a patient's unique cancer mutations to stimulate an immune response. The vaccine, combined with an FDA-approved checkpoint inhibitor, aims to unleash the full potential of T cells activated by the vaccine.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateOct 12, 2018

Abnormal vision in childhood can affect brain functions

Research reveals abnormal vision in childhood can impact attention and brain development. Studies show that patients with lazy eye have difficulty directing attention to the weaker eye when both eyes are open.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateOct 12, 2018

Disrupting crystalline order to restore superfluidity

Researchers at the University of Hamburg disrupt crystalline order in a quantum system using light pulses, restoring superfluidity. The study demonstrates a fundamental mechanism for controlling phase transitions in many-body systems via light control.

SourceUniversity of Hamburg·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 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.

Medical marijuana for symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 clinical trials found that medical marijuana reduced subjective patient assessments of spasticity, pain, and bladder dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis. However, the therapy may carry a higher risk of adverse events compared to placebo.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 12, 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.

Does open heart surgery affect cognitive abilities?

A recent study found that open heart surgery can cause some cognitive decline in the first month after surgery, but cognitive health largely returns to normal within six months. Aortic valve surgery may be associated with more early cognitive problems than mitral valve surgery due to the older age of patients.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 12, 2018

Study: No surge in illicit cigarettes after menthol ban

A 2018 study from Nova Scotia found that seizures of illicit cigarettes decreased significantly between 2007-08 and 2017-18, with no statistically significant increase after the 2015 menthol ban. The prevalence of illegal tobacco in the province also decreased from 30% to less than 10%.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalTobacco Control·DateOct 12, 2018

How the grid cell system of the brain maps mental spaces

Researchers have demonstrated the existence of grid-like activity in the human brain using electrophysiological evidence. Grid cells encode spatial positions evenly distributed across space, creating a honeycomb pattern that tiles the environment.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 12, 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.

Did mosasaurs hunt like killer whales?

University of Cincinnati biology professor Takuya Konishi proposes that mosasaurs hunted like killer whales by ramming their prey with their snouts. The young Tylosaurus mosasaur found in Kansas had a similar facial structure to orcas, with a protruding snout and robust cranial vault.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateOct 12, 2018

Oscillations provide insights into the brain's navigation system

Researchers have discovered that brain oscillations can be used to measure the activity of grid cells, which form the brain's navigation system. This breakthrough may lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease by testing impaired functionality.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 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.

Cancer stem cells use normal genes in abnormal ways

A study found that cancer stem cells with MHC Class I molecules upregulate and retain CDK1 protein, allowing them to initiate tumor growth. Sox2 transcription factor plays a key role in maintaining their stemness.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalCancer Research·DateOct 12, 2018

Effects of epilepsy on neural activity in mice fluctuate with reproductive cycle

Researchers found altered patterns of neuron activity in the brain controlling reproductive endocrine systems in mice with epilepsy. The differences in activity in female mice fluctuated across their reproductive cycles, suggesting a dynamic connection between epilepsy and reproductive health.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournaleNeuro·DateOct 12, 2018