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Science News for October 5, 2018


Could treating psoriasis in the future be as easy as going online?

A new study published by the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that an online care delivery model is equivalent to in-person care for improving psoriasis symptoms. Patients with chronic skin diseases need ongoing care, and depending on where they live, their access to dermatological care can be variable.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 5, 2018

How has children's body image changed over time?

The nationwide Chinese survey found that childhood overweight/obesity prevalence increased to 16.8% and children underestimated their weight status at the start of the study by 49%. Children with a higher body image had lower increases in BMI over time.

SourceWiley·JournalObesity·DateOct 5, 2018

Species-rich forests store twice as much carbon as monocultures

A recent study found that species-rich subtropical forests can absorb up to twice as much carbon as monocultures, showcasing the importance of biodiversity in forest productivity. Reforestation with a variety of tree species is recommended to promote both ecological and economic benefits.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalScience·DateOct 5, 2018

Sink traps are surprising source of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in ICU

Researchers found antibiotic-resistant bacteria in sink traps of an Israeli hospital's intensive care unit. Implementing sink contamination prevention guidelines eliminated new infections and zeroed out infections altogether. The study highlights the importance of proper hygiene practices in preventing the spread of resistant bacteria.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateOct 5, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Could bacteria fuel the future?

Researchers at the University of Delaware will study clostridium bacteria for biofuel production, aiming to create sustainable energy from renewable resources. The project seeks to demonstrate that using multiple complementary microorganisms can improve process yields and create valuable chemicals.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateOct 5, 2018

Study examines processes to request patient medical records in US Hospitals

A study of top-ranked US hospitals reveals noncompliance with federal and state regulations regarding patient medical records request processes. Patients may face discrepancies in information provided, hindering their right to access protected health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 5, 2018

DOD grant to fund potential treatment for metastatic breast cancer

Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center aim to find a less toxic, more effective treatment for metastatic breast cancer using a novel therapeutic antibody and innovative molecular imaging tools. The study will investigate the calcineurin/NFAT pathway's role in tumor growth and its potential inhibition by the antibody.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·DateOct 5, 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.

Nanopore technology with DNA computing easily detects microRNA patterns of lung cancer

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have developed a simple technique to identify Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) earlier using nanopore technology and DNA computing. The method recognizes specific microRNA patterns associated with SCLC, enabling early detection without invasive cell biopsies.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateOct 5, 2018

University of Toronto chemists advance ability to control chemical reactions

Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered a way to select the outcome of chemical reactions by manipulating the 'impact parameter', a key factor in reaction dynamics. By directing reagent molecules towards targeted molecules with controlled accuracy, chemists can now control the products of chemical reactions.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 5, 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.

New spheres trick, trap and terminate water contaminant

Rice University scientists develop micron-sized spheres that trap and destroy bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic chemical used in plastics. The spheres utilize reactive oxygen species (ROS) to degrade BPA into harmless chemicals, showing 90% efficacy after just one hour.

SourceRice University·DateOct 5, 2018

American hospitals make it too hard for patients to access medical records

A study by Yale researchers found that many top US hospitals fail to comply with federal regulations regarding patient access to medical records. Despite HIPAA guarantees, hospitals often make it difficult or expensive for patients to obtain their own records, violating state and federal guidelines.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 5, 2018

NASA investigates Tropical Storm Kong-Rey's rainfall rates

Tropical Storm Kong-Rey experienced extreme rainfall rates near its center, with rain falling at over 1.8 inches per hour in two areas northwest of the storm's center. The storm is weakening and expected to transition into the Sea of Japan, taking a turn toward the northeast.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 5, 2018
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.

The urban training intervention increases physical activity in COPD patients

A new approach for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been proposed, increasing physical activity levels by over 900 steps per day. The Urban Training intervention, developed by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, combines tailored components to address individual social and cultural factors.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateOct 5, 2018

New method measures single molecules from nanoliter of blood in real time

Researchers have designed a nanopore system capable of measuring different metabolites simultaneously in biological fluids, all in seconds. The system uses substrate-binding proteins as electrical transducers to detect single molecules, enabling real-time monitoring and diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 5, 2018
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.

Scientists get the drop on the cell's nucleus

Researchers have developed a novel strategy to measure material properties of the cell nucleus and its components using naturally occurring cellular dynamics. The study shows that human nucleoli behave like liquid droplets, which can influence disease progression, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

SourceNew York University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 5, 2018

Digital marketing exposure increases energy drink usage among young adults

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that digital marketing of energy drinks was more persuasive with young adults than other marketing methods. The study showed that engagement with digital marketing increased energy drink usage among participants.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateOct 5, 2018

Cancer death disparities linked to poverty, lifestyle factors nationwide

Cancer death disparities exist among US counties due to socioeconomic and behavioral traits, such as food insecurity, smoking, physical inactivity, and inadequate healthcare. Researchers identified these factors using a novel method, which may help public health experts target specific areas for reduction.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 5, 2018

Tumor necrosis associate with atherosclerotic lipid accumulation

The study found that pro-inflammatory TNFα and anti-inflammatory CCL18 cytokines are increased in human atherosclerotic lesions, associated with cholesterol accumulation. The expression levels vary across plaque stages, with maximum levels in lipofibrous plaques.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Pharmaceutical Design·DateOct 5, 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.

ASU research graces cover of ACS journal

Researchers at ASU have made significant advances in catalysis, a crucial energy technology. Their work, featured on the cover of the October edition of ACS Catalysis, explores electrocatalytic properties of binuclear Cu(II) fused porphyrins for hydrogen evolution.

SourceArizona State University·JournalACS Catalysis·DateOct 5, 2018

GA4GH announces new interoperability standards for genomic data sharing

The Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH) has released three new interoperability standards: Beacon API, refget API, and Workflow Execution Service (WES) API. These standards address variant discovery, patient case discovery, reference sequence harmonization, and cloud computing to enable responsible genomic data sharing.

SourceGlobal Alliance for Genomics and Health·DateOct 5, 2018

NASA looks at large Leslie lingering in Atlantic

NASA tracks Tropical Storm Leslie's size and strength, forecasting heavy rainfall and strong winds. The storm is expected to bring significant wave activity to Atlantic Canada and New England coastlines.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 5, 2018

Energy-insecure New Yorkers face multiple health risks

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that nearly one-third of Washington Heights residents experienced energy insecurity, leading to breathing problems, mental health issues, and poor sleep. Energy-insecure households were more likely to have children under 18 years of age and lower household income.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·DateOct 5, 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.

Health insurer policies may discourage use of non-opioid alternatives for lower back pain

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that US public and private health insurance policies are inconsistent in covering non-drug treatments for lower back pain. Most plans lacked clear coverage terms for acupuncture, psychological counseling, and physical therapy, with only a few covering these alternatives.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 5, 2018

Protein dynamics: Molecular machines at work

Researchers have used a novel fluorescence-based imaging technique to track shape changes in pore proteins that export molecules into the extracellular medium. The study provides insights into the mechanisms underlying protein function and could lead to new therapeutic opportunities for disorders such as cystic fibrosis.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateOct 5, 2018

Study finds standard treatment for common STD doesn't eliminate parasite in some women

A new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that a single dose of medication is not enough to eliminate trichomoniasis, a common curable STD causing serious birth complications and increasing HIV susceptibility. Researchers suggest multiple doses of treatment may be necessary for effective elimination of the parasite.

SourceTulane University·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateOct 5, 2018

Nanoscale pillars as a building block for future information technology

Scientists explore the property of electrons' spin to develop faster, smaller and more energy-efficient information technology. Researchers from Linköping University propose a device concept that can efficiently transfer electron spin to light at room temperature using gallium nitrogen arsenide nanopillars.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 5, 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.

Participants in dementia prevention research motivated by altruism

A novel study suggests that people who participate in dementia prevention trials are primarily motivated by a desire to help others. The findings also highlight the importance of human interaction, with trial participants preferring staff-administered assessments over automated technologies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateOct 5, 2018

Alaskan carbon assessment has implications for national climate policy

A recent assessment of Alaska's carbon cycle reveals both alarming signs of rapid warming and potential counteracting effects. The state's forests, permafrost, lakes, and rivers store significant amounts of terrestrial carbon, which could be released into the atmosphere at an increased rate due to climate change. However, warmer temper...

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Applications·DateOct 5, 2018

How the brain learns during sleep

Researchers found that brain activity patterns during sleep can reveal which memories are stored and which forgotten. The brain reactivates memory traces during certain sleep phases, especially when gamma band activity from deep processing is reactivated during ripples in the hippocampus, leading to later recall of images.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 5, 2018

Typical mutations in children of radar soldiers

Researchers found that children of radar soldiers who were exposed to high doses of radiation had a higher rate of multisite de novo mutations and chromosomal alterations compared to offspring of non-radiation exposed parents. The results support the idea that accumulation of genotype damage by radiation can occur in the next generation.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 5, 2018
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.

New details of HIV life cycle

A multi-institutional team has revealed new details about the HIV virus capsid structure and its role in the life cycle. Researchers found that a naturally occurring small molecule called IP6 plays an important part in both immature and mature phases of the HIV life cycle, making it a potential target for new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature·DateOct 5, 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.

Researchers discover how fatal biofilms form

Biofilms are a huge medical problem due to their difficulty in treating bacterial infections. Researchers at Yale University have found a key mechanism for biofilm formation, enabling the study of this process in a controlled way.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 5, 2018

Education improves decision-making ability, study finds

A new study led by Hyuncheol Bryant Kim found that education can enhance an individual's economic decision-making quality. The randomized controlled trial of education support in Malawi showed that those who participated had higher scores of economic rationality, suggesting improved decision-making abilities.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateOct 5, 2018

Gene signature predicts outcome after spinal cord injury

A team of scientists discovered a gene signature linked to spinal cord injury severity, which can predict functional recovery. The study identified key genes that are switched on or off in response to injury, potentially informing the development of biomarkers for treatment.

SourceeLife·DateOct 5, 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.

Larger cities have smaller water footprint than less populated counterparts

A team of Penn State researchers analyzed the water footprint of 65 mid- to large-sized U.S. cities and found that larger cities consume less water per capita. This shift is attributed to changing economic activities, with larger cities becoming more service-oriented and shifting water-intensive industries to less populated regions.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 5, 2018

Outpatient antibiotic overprescribing rampant

A study of 500,000-plus outpatient antibiotic prescriptions found that nearly half were given without an infection-related diagnosis. The research suggests a huge problem with antibiotic misuse, regardless of symptom, and highlights concerns about 80% of antibiotics prescribed on an outpatient basis.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·DateOct 5, 2018

Study links individual HPV types to HIV infection

Researchers identified seven specific HPV types linked to increased risk of HIV infection in a study published in PLOS ONE. The study found that individuals with any HPV type, multiple HPV types, or high-risk HPV were more likely to test positive for HIV.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 5, 2018

Bag a job, bag your prey

Researchers applied job search theoretical models to study hunters' decision-making, identifying optimal stopping points and dietary trait thresholds to manage hunting pressure. The model could be used to infer changes in harvested prey communities and evaluate the efficacy of hunting regulations.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalEcological Applications·DateOct 5, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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