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Science News Archive October 2018


Page 20 of 47

Scientific research will help to understand the origin of life in the universe

Scientists from Samara University have discovered new chemical mechanisms for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) synthesis at very low temperatures, including -183 C. These findings challenge the prevailing view that PAHs can only form at high temperatures and suggest a possible link to the origin of life in the universe.

Carbon fiber can store energy in the body of a vehicle

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology discovered that carbon fibers with small crystals have good electrochemical properties, making them suitable for structural batteries. This innovation could reduce vehicle weight by up to 50% and increase energy storage capacity, while also enhancing safety.

How plants bind their green pigment chlorophyll

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have made progress in understanding the binding of chlorophyll to plant proteins. By studying a water-soluble chlorophyll protein from cauliflower and Virginia pepperweed, they found that amino acid variations can alter the preference for one chlorophyll over the other.

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.

Increased mortality in children with inflammatory bowel disease

Children with inflammatory bowel disease have a higher mortality rate compared to peers without the condition, particularly if diagnosed before age 18. Careful monitoring is crucial for individuals diagnosed in childhood, especially those with ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Accurate evaluation of chondral injuries by near infrared spectroscopy

Researchers developed an arthroscopic near infrared spectroscopic probe to evaluate articular cartilage and subchondral bone structure and composition. This technique provides comprehensive information on joint tissue health, enhancing the treatment outcome of arthroscopic intervention.

Polluted city neighborhoods are bad news for asthmatic children

A new study published in Pediatric Research found that children with asthma growing up in polluted NYC neighborhoods need emergency medical treatment more often. The study suggests that these areas may have other environmental factors affecting urgent asthma treatment.

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.

3D-printed supercapacitor electrode breaks records in lab tests

Scientists at UC Santa Cruz and LLNL fabricated electrodes using printable graphene aerogel to build a porous three-dimensional scaffold loaded with pseudocapacitive material. The novel electrodes achieved the highest areal capacitance, while maintaining performance without sacrificing energy storage capacity per unit mass or volume.

How the brain makes rapid, fine adjustments in motor activity

Researchers found that the brain's premotor cortex uses a 'neural scratch pad' to calculate fine adjustments, eliminating the need for physical change in the brain. This discovery may simplify the development of brain-computer interfaces controlling prosthetic limbs.

First proof of quantum computer advantage

Scientists have developed a quantum circuit that demonstrates the advantage of quantum computers over classical systems. The new design exploits quantum physics' non-locality to solve complex problems efficiently. This breakthrough brings us closer to realizing near-term experimental realizations of quantum algorithms.

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.

Yale-led team finds missing-in-action MS genes

A Yale-led team has identified four new genetic variants that directly damage gene sequences, accounting for an additional 5% of MS disease risk. The findings contradict previous theories on the role of common genetic variants in MS, providing promising new avenues for research and study.

Infection biology: Staying a step ahead of the game

Scientists have discovered that DNA packaging proteins play a central role in the parasite's ability to alter its surface coat protein, enabling it to evade the host's immune system. This process, known as antigenic variation, allows trypanosomes to stay one step ahead of the game and establish long-term infections.

Gene-edited zebrafish models take disease research to the next level

Researchers have developed gene-edited zebrafish models using CRISPR/Cas9, enabling precise point mutations to replicate human disease-associated genetic variants. This advancement improves the efficiency of disease modeling and opens new doors for understanding genetic disorders.

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.

Not all prion strains interfere with each other

New research reveals that not all prion strain combinations result in interference, suggesting greater strain diversity than previously thought. The study found that co-infecting strains amplify independently, changing the paradigm of prion strain interactions and implications for interspecies transmission.

Accelerating drug discovery by crowdsourcing confidential data

Researchers developed a secure multiparty computation protocol to facilitate collaboration among pharmaceutical companies and laboratories without revealing confidential data. The approach improved the ability of predictive models to identify new therapeutic candidates at an unprecedented scale and rate.

Researchers describe Asthma's effects on airways at the single cell level

A study using single-cell transcriptomics reveals the cellular and functional changes underlying type 2-high asthma, which can lead to more severe disease. The research provides new insights into how airway epithelial cells produce mucus and could inform the development of targeted treatments for asthma and other airway diseases.

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.

Media alert: New articles in The CRISPR Journal

The CRISPR Journal has published new articles on the development of a novel transcriptional activator system, CRISPR-Cas classification, patent appeals, anti-CRISPR proteins, and CRISPR-based art. Researchers have made significant advancements in understanding the complexities of CRISPR biology.

Media Alert: The Lancet special issue on primary health care

A special issue by The Lancet warns that primary health care is underdeveloped and underfunded, with half the world's population lacking access to essential services. The Lancet calls for renewed leadership to revive primary health care, citing its importance in delivering better health for all.

Suicide risk in abused teen girls linked to mother-daughter conflict

Researchers found that maltreated teen girls are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts due to poor mother-daughter relationships and high levels of conflict. The study, published in the journal Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, highlights the importance of relationship-based interventions for vulnerable youths.

To track how students ace the LSAT, watch their eyes

A study by UC Berkeley researchers found that tracking students' eye movements can reveal more about their understanding of complex material than neuroimaging technology. By analyzing ocular activity, the team detected improvements in reasoning skills after intensive practice for the logic games section of the LSAT.

Colored filter improves dyslexic children's reading speed

Researchers found that volunteers with dyslexia read faster when using green filters than without, while those without dyslexia showed no difference. The study suggests that the filters may attenuate cortical hyperexcitability in the brain, leading to improved reading performance.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Cost-effective and transparent spending promotes species recovery

A new framework proposes a logical and transparent approach to allocate limited resources for conservation and recovery efforts. This approach aims to identify the most important objectives and allocate funds efficiently, leading to greater confidence in funding agencies and partners.

MIT system aims to prevent attacks made possible by Meltdown/Spectre

The MIT CSAIL team has developed a new approach called DAWG to securely partition cache memory, making it harder for hackers to exploit Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities. This method can have immediate applications in cloud computing, especially in fields like medicine and finance.

Eating leafy greens could help prevent macular degeneration

A new study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that consuming vegetable nitrates, primarily from green leafy vegetables and beetroot, can reduce the risk of early-stage age-related macular degeneration by 35%. Eating 100-142mg of vegetable nitrates daily was associated with this reduced risk.

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.

Scientists discover first high-temperature single-molecule magnet

Researchers at University of Sussex create breakthrough SMM with blocking temperature above 77 K, overcoming liquid helium temperature barrier. The discovery paves the way for advancements in molecular information storage materials and potentially increases hard disk storage capacity.

The big problem of small data: A new approach

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have developed a new approach called Density Estimation using Field Theory (DEFT) to analyze small datasets, inspired by theoretical physics. The method fixes shortcomings of common statistical methods, providing more certainty in conclusions.

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.

Producing defectless metal crystals of unprecedented size

A research group at IBS invents contact-free annealing technique to convert polycrystalline metal foils into single crystals with superior properties. They successfully produced large single crystal metals up to 32 cm2, including copper, nickel, cobalt, platinum, and palladium.

Mice need a clutch to smell

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology discovered that shootin 1b is essential for neuron migration to the olfactory bulb, which affects brain development and adaptation. The study reveals how shootin 1b mediates a mechanical clutch to generate force for neuronal movement.

E-cigarette vaping negatively impacts wound healing: Study

A recent study published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery found that e-cigarette vaping negatively impacts wound healing, causing damage comparable to traditional cigarette smoking. The researchers discovered increased tissue death and delayed wound healing in experimental models exposed to both e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes.

Why does diabetes cause heart failure?

A Loyola University Chicago study reveals that diabetes causes heart failure through the accumulation of methylglyoxal, which weakens heart muscle cells. The findings suggest new drug treatments to counter the effects of methylglyoxal and prevent heart failure in diabetics.

Using machine learning and optimization to improve refugee integration

A computational tool using machine learning and optimization algorithms matches refugees to host communities with the best resources for success. Annie MOORE predicts refugee employment likelihood and guides resettlement workers in finding suitable placements, improving integration outcomes.

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.

Distinguishing fatal prostate cancer from 'manageable' cancer now possible

A new test developed by scientists at the University of York can accurately identify life-threatening prostate cancers, which could lead to fewer unnecessary surgeries and radiotherapies. The test has shown a high accuracy rate of up to 92%, potentially reducing healthcare costs and side effects for patients.

Tough laws prevent gun deaths

A global report confirms that tough gun laws in Australia and other countries have led to a significant decrease in firearm deaths, particularly suicides. The study found that the Australian National Firearms Agreement has been closely linked to this decline, with other countries showing similar results.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

UMass Amherst researchers unfold secret stability of bendy straws

Researchers at UMass Amherst have figured out the fundamental mechanisms behind the stability of bendable tubes, including drinking straws. By introducing pre-stress into the material, they found that the structure becomes more stable in a bent configuration, contrary to intuition.

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.

A clearer path to clean air in China

Research from Harvard suggests that reducing formaldehyde emissions could be more effective at reducing extreme wintertime haze than focusing solely on sulfur dioxide. Formaldehyde is formed by the reaction of SO2 with formaldehyde in clouds or fog droplets, and its sources are primarily vehicles and industrial facilities.

Working lands play a key role in protecting biodiversity

A new review paper suggests diversifying working lands, including farmland, rangeland and forests, to preserve biodiversity. This approach can extend habitats for wildlife and create more sustainable, productive farming landscapes.

Wheel running measures mouse distress better

A new study published in PLOS Biology introduces a tool to assess mouse distress through voluntary wheel running, showing strong correlation with experimental colitis severity. The findings may simplify statistical analysis in future trials and provide a better way to implement the 3R principles into biomedical research.

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.

Novel DNA vaccine design offers broad protection against influenza-A H3N2

Researchers developed a novel DNA vaccine that protected mice against multiple H3N2 viruses and severe illness, offering a promising approach to elicit an immune response against diverse strains. The vaccine strategy represents a step forward in eliminating the need for seasonal reformulation of influenza vaccines.