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Science News Archive October 2018


Page 15 of 47

Marker found for condition that causes numerous tumors

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have made a major breakthrough in understanding the biology of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) skin tumors. They identified Hox-B7 as a marker for cell origin and found that modifying the Hippo pathway can slow tumor development.

Memory-steel -- A new material for the strengthening of buildings

Researchers from Empa and re-fer AG have developed a new building material called memory-steel, which uses shape-memory alloys to permanently prestress concrete structures. The material eliminates the need for hydraulic prestressing, reducing space requirements and making it suitable for confined spaces.

Bad boss? You may be making things better -- or worse!

A recent study reveals that employee anxiety, self-esteem, and leadership behavior perception can impact a leader's influence on organizational functioning. Followers and leaders can buffer against undesirable effects of dark-side traits like dishonesty, disagreeableness, and carelessness.

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.

Nerve-on-a-chip platform makes neuroprosthetics more effective

The EPFL-developed nerve-on-a-chip platform enables rapid recording of hundreds of nerve responses with a high signal-to-noise ratio. The platform can also record individual nerve cell activity, enabling the development of more effective neuroprosthetics for treating chronic pain and regenerating peripheral nerves.

First-ever atlas of big-game migrations published

The atlas uses state-of-the-art data and cartography to visualize the finely choreographed movements of migratory big-game species. The maps reveal how animals have perfectly tuned their movements to landscapes and seasons, highlighting the challenges faced by conservation efforts.

How to help protect yourself from vaccine administration injury

SIRVA is an uncommon phenomenon where vaccines are administered too high in the arm, causing pain that doesn't improve with over-the-counter medications. Proper vaccination landmarking techniques can help avoid SIRVA by targeting the deltoid muscle instead of the shoulder capsule.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

OU sociologist examines attitudes toward LGT individuals in new study

A new study by Meredith G. F. Worthen explores the relationship between social contact, social distancing, and attitudes towards lesbian, gay, and transgender individuals globally. The research reveals that simple measures of knowing LGT people no longer correlate with supportive attitudes in liberal cultural climates.

Computers use social media data to predict crime

A study published in EPJ Data Science found that algorithms predicting crimes more accurately than existing models, with significant improvements in predictions for assaults and drug offences. The system used location and activity data from Foursquare users to make predictions.

A partnership to tackle cancer health disparities

The partnership aims to find new cancer drugs and attract diverse researchers to focus on cancers with increased risk of incidence and mortality among African-Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans. The program will also enhance current researchers' awareness and knowledge of cancer health disparities.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New laser advances

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a 'transistor' laser that can be manipulated at the nanoscale using an external voltage. This technology could lead to more accurate medical procedures and re-routing of fiber optic communication lines.

Astronomers spot signs of supermassive black hole mergers

Researchers have found evidence for a large number of double supermassive black holes, precursors to massive galaxy mergers. The discovery was made by studying radio maps of powerful jet sources, which showed signs of periodic changes in jet direction, indicative of binary black hole mergers.

How to mass produce cell-sized robots

MIT researchers have developed a method to control the fracturing process of atomically-thin, brittle materials, directing it to produce miniscule pockets of predictable size and shape. Embedded inside these pockets are electronic circuits and materials that can collect, record, and output data.

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.

Closing the gender gap in competitiveness with a psychological trick

Researchers found that using priming can lead to significant changes in competitive behavior among both men and women. The study revealed that when men were primed to exert influence, they became more cautious, while women became more confident. This breakthrough has implications for education and professional training.

Noble metal-free catalyst system as active as platinum

A team of researchers has discovered a noble metal-free catalyst system that is as active as platinum, thanks to the high entropy effect. The alloy, made up of five elements, forms new active centers that offer entirely new properties and are relevant for catalysis.

UTSA creates web-based open source dashboard of North Pole

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has developed ArcCI, a web-based repository that combines thousands of images taken along the years of the Arctic Ocean. This database allows researchers to extract detailed information on ice properties and conduct research in a digital modality.

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.

Developing an automated virtual health coach

Researchers are developing an automated virtual health coach using data from human health coaches to help participants set SMART goals and stay on track. The system will learn to automate interactions and notify human health coaches when needed, aiming to improve health behaviors among underserved populations.

Losing control of gene activity in Alzheimer's disease

A study published in Nature Neuroscience has uncovered a link between gene activity and Alzheimer's disease, identifying genes involved in the pathology of the condition. The research found changes in histone acetylation across the genome, providing a framework for studying histone modification studies in other brain diseases.

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.

New treatment approach for advanced anal cancer

A new approach to treating advanced anal cancer is safer and more effective than current treatment, according to a randomised clinical trial. The study found that a chemotherapy combination of Carboplatin and Paclitaxel performed better in terms of survival rates and safety compared to Cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil.

Revealing the molecular mystery of human liver cells

Scientists have created a comprehensive map of individual human liver cells, identifying 20 distinct cell populations and new aspects of the liver's immunobiology. The study, published in Nature Communications, reveals new insights into the liver's cellular landscape and its impact on disease.

More than just anatomy: sex differences in the lower urinary tract

A new report highlights sex differences in cell biology in the female and male lower urinary tract, which may help stimulate breakthroughs in diagnosing and managing urinary dysfunction. Recent evidence suggests that differential expression of immune cells in the bladder amplifies UTI rates in women.

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.

Cranial shape variation in apes and humans

Researchers found cranial shape variation within species reflects genetic diversity. Genetic drift and mutation processes underlying genetic diversity are likely drivers of this variation.

New drug combination destroys chemo-resistant blood cancer

Researchers developed a targeted strategy to treat chemotherapy-resistant AML by targeting the MTF2-MDM2 axis, resulting in complete remission in all mouse models treated with the new combination. The findings hold promise for treating AML patients who would otherwise die from their disease.

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.

Funding requirements for lion conservation

African protected areas with lions require approximately $1,000-$2,000/km2 in funding for effective conservation. The total annual funding deficit is estimated to be $0.9-2.1 billion, with 88-94% of individual PAs being underfunded.

Ocean temperature and Atlantic hurricanes

Researchers report a significant link between upper ocean temperatures and September tropical cyclone activity in the North Atlantic. Considering subsurface temperatures enhances hurricane prediction accuracy up to three months in advance.

Monitoring electromagnetic signals in the brain with MRI

MIT engineers have created a new technique to detect electromagnetic signals in the brain using minimally invasive MRI sensors, enabling spatially accurate pinpointing of electrical activity. The sensors can also detect light produced by luminescent proteins, expanding their potential applications in neuroscience and beyond.

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.

Optoelectronic interface for stimulating neural networks in the brain

Researchers have developed an optoelectronic interface that uses fiber-optic channels to transmit signals from artificial neurons to live ones, providing galvanic isolation and adaptive stimulation capabilities. This system has been demonstrated effective in stimulating electrophysiological activity of neurons in a surviving section of...

Liver transplant survival rate sees improvement among older adults

A recent study found that liver transplant survival rates have improved significantly among older adults, with a notable increase in recipients aged 65-69 and those aged 80 or over. The one-year acute rejection rate decreased by 30%, and the risk of death was 57% lower compared to earlier years.

New tool gives deeper understanding of glioblastoma

Researchers have developed a new tool to study genetic switches in glioblastoma tumors, which drive cancer growth and survival. The new technique uses ChRO-seq data to classify tumors into subtypes based on active switches, with potential applications in predicting patient outcomes and developing new therapies.

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.

Smart systems to give hi-tech edge to battlefield decision-making

Newly developed systems will gather information from a wealth of sources, including radar, drones, and social media, to create an information advantage for the modern military. The £4 million project aims to give military personnel access to the most useful information with minimal overheads.

Refugee girls gain from effort to teach life skills

A yearlong program for adolescent refugee girls in Sub-Saharan Africa successfully promoted healthy transitions to adulthood, reducing reports of sexual and physical violence. The COMPASS program taught life skills geared to build girls' knowledge of violence risk factors and empower them to advocate for their rights and physical safety.

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.

AI doctor could boost chance of survival for sepsis patients

Researchers developed an AI Clinician system that predicts and recommends optimal treatment strategies for patients with sepsis, showing a higher chance of survival compared to human doctors. The system analyzed 100,000 hospital records and made more reliable treatment decisions than humans.

Ancient enzymes the catalysts for new discoveries

Researchers from the University of Queensland recreated 450-million-year-old enzymes to accelerate chemical reactions, offering a cheaper alternative to current processes. The ancient enzymes showed improved performance at high temperatures, lasting about 100 times longer than natural enzymes.

Neural network-assisted bone fracture detection

A deep neural network trained on annotated radiographs from senior orthopedic surgeons helps reduce misinterpretation of fractures in emergency department clinicians. The system demonstrated the transfer of expertise from specialists to generalist clinicians, leading to improved accuracy.

CU researchers find common genetic link in lung ailments

A team of CU researchers has identified a genetic connection between rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The study found that patients with RA are at risk of developing progressive pulmonary fibrosis, enabling potential interventions to prevent this condition.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Journalism study evaluates emotions on the job

A QUT research study reveals that female journalists report more emotional investment and management strategies compared to their male counterparts. Visual journalists often suppress or enhance their emotional displays while dealing with editorial decisions, and only a few participants have access to formal support.

Overspending on defense arsenal bankrupts a plant's economy

A recent study found that plants with strong defense capabilities against insects exhibit slower growth rates and compromised reproductive success. The research suggests a trade-off between defense and growth in plant biology, where investing more energy in defense reduces resources available for growth and reproduction.

New protein sequencing method could transform biological research

A new protein sequencing method has been developed, enabling the identification of individual protein molecules with high sensitivity and throughput. This advance has the potential to reveal new biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and enhance understanding of healthy cell function.

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.