Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive October 2018


Page 13 of 47

Parker solar probe looks back at home

The Parker Solar Probe captured a breathtaking view of Earth on Sept. 25, 2018, showcasing the Moon just behind our planet. The image also reveals a lens flare effect due to reflections from the bright Earthshine, which is visible in the hemispherical shaped feature.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fighting mutant influenza

Researchers have identified two compounds with better antiviral properties than oseltamivir, effective against both drug-resistant and sensitive strains of influenza A. These compounds target the AM2 protein with the S31N mutation, a key site of resistance in most influenza A viruses.

ACS NSQIP demonstrates a sustained benefit on colorectal surgical outcomes

A study published in ACS NSQIP demonstrates a sustained benefit on colorectal surgical outcomes, with significant reductions in complications such as surgical site infections and sepsis. The program's introduction of procedure-targeted datasets also led to improved outcomes, including increased early discharges.

Chemotherapy drug paclitaxel also acts as an immune response modulator

Researchers discovered that chemotherapy drug paclitaxel can also activate a key cellular receptor in the innate immune system, reactivating the patient's immune response to combat tumors. This finding opens up new prospects for cancer treatment strategies, including immunotherapy and adjuvant therapy.

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.

The HPV vaccine: Why parents really choose to refuse

A new study of survey data reveals that parental concerns about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine tend to focus on safety worries and lack of necessity. The findings suggest that physician education and recommendation may be key factors in increasing HPV vaccination rates.

Cluster of factors could help predict C. diff

Researchers identified a cluster of five risk factors associated with unhealthy gut microbial communities, which can increase the risk of C. diff infection. The study suggests potential preventive interventions, including dietary changes and fecal transplantation from healthy donors.

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.

Honey, I shrunk the cell culture

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a near-infrared laser that can change the size and shape of a block of gel-like material while human or bacterial cells grow on it. This tool holds promise for biomedical researchers seeking to shed light on how to grow replacement tissues and organs.

Deformation of nanotubes to control conductivity

Researchers have developed a method to modify the structure of carbon nanotubes, changing their conductive properties. By stretching nanotubes, scientists can create semiconducting nanotubes suitable for microprocessors and high-precision detectors.

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.

Covert tactics used by bacteria to trick human immune system

Researchers at McMaster University discovered a new way bacteria evade the human immune system by shutting down flagella expression, making it difficult for the immune system to detect and respond. This finding has significant implications for understanding antibiotic resistance and developing new treatments.

To see what's right in front of you, your brain may need some rewiring

A new study suggests that our brains can rewire and change in response to new experiences, even when we're not consciously forming new memories. This process of plasticity enables us to better perceive and interpret the world, with potential implications for brain disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

No assembly required: Self-assembling silicone-based polymers

Researchers develop silicone polymer chain that can self-assemble into a 3D periodic structure using triptycene molecules. The team's findings are promising and may provide a powerful tool for organizing polymers and reinforcing their structural and physical properties.

Tortoise evolution: How did they become so big?

Research suggests giant tortoise sizes evolved independently on multiple continents, contradicting the island rule theory. Fossil records reveal extinct mainland giants in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, which went extinct during the Pleistocene ice age.

Wine's origin might affect acceptable price more than taste study shows

Researchers found that Asian consumers are willing to pay less for wines from unfamiliar regions, with Iowa and Wisconsin being the most affected. The study also showed gender and age differences in willingness to pay, suggesting that targeting specific demographics could influence pricing strategies.

ERC Synergy Grant awarded to project exploring playful learning

A team of researchers from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin has been awarded an ERC Synergy Grant to study the effects of play on brain mechanisms involved in learning. The six-year project aims to understand the neurobiology of learning and how learning through play affects the brain.

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.

Black men have higher rates of recidivism despite lower risk factors

A new study found that Black men have a higher rate of reincarceration and shorter time to reentry compared to other groups, even with lower risk scores on standardized tools. This suggests that systemic issues such as racism and implicit bias play a significant role in recidivism rates.

Racial differences in colorectal cancer incidence not due to biology

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that racial differences in colorectal cancer incidence are not due to biological factors. The study suggests that screening should begin at age 50 regardless of race, with consideration for individual risk factors and preferences. Improved access to screening is crucial to reducing disparitie...

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.

Satellite shows post-Tropical Depression Vicente inland

Post-Tropical Cyclone Vicente has weakened to a tropical depression and is bringing heavy rain with life-threatening flash flooding to parts of Mexico. The system's remnants are expected to produce 3-6 inches of rain, leading to landslides and mountainous terrain hazards.

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.

Inexpensive chip-based device may transform spectrometry

A new spectrometry device based on optical switches could provide major advantages in performance, size, weight, and power consumption compared to current instruments. The device uses path lengths in power-of-two increments, allowing for exponential spectral resolution, and has been demonstrated to match calculations.

Study examines long-term rate of mesh sling removal, reoperation

A study examined long-term outcomes of midurethral mesh sling operations for stress urinary incontinence, finding that 3.3% of women had their slings removed and 4.5% underwent reoperations within nine years. The reasons for removal or reoperations were not disclosed.

Philosophy of mind: In touch with reality?

A study published in Nature Scientific Reports found that our sense of touch provides a sense of certainty and gives us a tighter grip on reality when faced with ambiguous information. This is contrary to the assumption that touch has no intrinsic superiority over other senses.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Collaboration yields possible treatment for rare neurodegenerative disorder

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have developed a new class of compounds called pantazines that may treat the rare neurodegenerative disorder pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN). The compounds elevate coenzyme A levels, preventing neuron dysfunction and improving symptoms in mice models.

A molecular sensor for in-situ analysis of complex biological fluids

A KAIST research team developed a molecular sensor that selectively concentrates charged small molecules, amplifying Raman signals and allowing for direct detection without pretreatment. This technology can be used to detect residual drugs or biomarkers in blood or urine, saving time and cost.

Study explores infant body position and learning

A developmental psychologist's study measures how often infants spend time in different body positions over the first year of life, finding that 3-month-olds are held almost half their waking days. As infants develop motor skills, their body positions change dramatically, influencing opportunities for learning and development.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Does putting the brakes on outrage bottle up social change?

A team of psychologists found that moral outrage can lead to collective action and inspire people to take part in long-term social change. The study, published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences, combined findings from moral psychology and intergroup psychology to investigate the dynamics of outrage.

Schadenfreude sheds light on darker side of humanity

Researchers at Emory University have proposed a novel framework to explain schadenfreude, finding that it comprises three subforms: aggression, rivalry, and justice. These subforms are interrelated and rooted in concerns of self-evaluation, social identity, and justice.

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.

Study provides new insight into why galaxies stop forming stars

A team of UC Riverside-led scientists have made the best measurement yet of why star formation stops in galaxy clusters in the early universe. They found that it takes a galaxy longer to stop forming stars as the universe gets older, with quenching timescales varying across 70 percent of the universe's history.

'Himalayan gold' on the brink

The Himalayan gold fungus, valued at $11 billion, is facing extinction due to intensive harvesting and climate change. The fungus's decline may have severe consequences for communities that rely on it for their livelihood.

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.

Ferroelectricity -- an 80-year-old mystery solved

Researchers at Linköping University discover that hypothetical particles called 'hysterons' exist in organic ferroelectric materials, explaining their unique behavior and properties. The study reveals that the material's nanostructure plays a crucial role in its switching process.

Bullying and harassment in the NHS could be costing billions

A new study estimates that bullying and harassment in the NHS in England may be costing over £2 billion per year. Productivity loss due to presenteeism is estimated to cost £604.4 million annually. The authors hope their research will provide a financial incentive for policymakers to tackle the issue.

Neurons reliably respond to straight lines

A study published in Scientific Reports found that 80% of tracked neurons were reliably activated by the same oriented lines throughout a two-week period. The researchers used two-photon microscopy to visualize hundreds of neurons and tested an extensive range of stimuli, including varying line thickness.