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Science News Archive October 2018 - Page 13


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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 24, 2018

The APS rewards INRS professor for his involvement in developing countries

Federico Rosei, an INRS professor, has received the APS John Wheatley Award for his efforts in bridging the science gap between developed and developing nations. He organizes international conferences to foster scientific dialogue and supports young researchers from developing countries.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateOct 24, 2018
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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters·DateOct 24, 2018

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.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·DateOct 24, 2018

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.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCancer Research·DateOct 24, 2018
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.

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.

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateOct 24, 2018

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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 24, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 23, 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.

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.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalUltramicroscopy·DateOct 23, 2018

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.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 23, 2018
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.

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.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2018

Houston Methodist scientists create device to deliver immunotherapy without side effects

Researchers developed a nanofluidic seed that can deliver sustained-release doses of immunotherapy directly to tumors, reducing the need for multiple IV treatments and eliminating side effects. The device has shown promising results in mice models, with equal effectiveness compared to systemic immunotherapy while minimizing toxicities.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateOct 23, 2018

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.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 23, 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.

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.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalCladistics·DateOct 23, 2018

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.

SourceWashington State University·JournalBritish Food Journal·DateOct 23, 2018

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.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·DateOct 23, 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.

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.

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateOct 23, 2018

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...

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateOct 23, 2018

New study scrutinizes time and effort it takes to vote in each state

A new study reveals wide variations in voting ease among US states, impacting democracy and potentially affecting voter turnout. States like Oregon and Colorado rank high for ease of voting, while others like Mississippi face significant inconveniences.

SourceNorthern Illinois University·JournalElection Law Journal Rules Politics and Policy·DateOct 23, 2018

Motley crews of bacteria cleanse water at huge oceanic Georgia Aquarium exhibit

Researchers found diverse bacterial communities in the aquarium's water that break down waste and nitrates with varying efficiency. The study suggests that mixed bacterial communities may work more efficiently than single-star players, providing a backup option for optimal performance.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 23, 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.

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 23, 2018

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 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.

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.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 23, 2018

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.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 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.

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.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalSmall·DateOct 23, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalInfancy·DateOct 23, 2018
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.

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateOct 23, 2018

The role of the Atg2 protein in tethering pre-autophagosomal membranes to the endoplasmic reticulum

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology discovered the role of Atg2 in tethering pre-autophagosomal membranes to the endoplasmic reticulum. The study found that Atg2's N- and C-terminal regions have membrane-binding capabilities, allowing it to initiate autophagosome formation and expand membranes. Understanding this mechanism is ...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2018

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.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNew Ideas in Psychology·DateOct 23, 2018

Institutional investors boost a company's social performance, a new study finds

A new study by Bocconi University finds that institutional investors have a positive and causal effect on firms' environmental and social (E&S) performance. These mainstream investors promote E&S issues through engagement with existing firms, rather than buying and selling shares of good or bad companies.

SourceBocconi University·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·DateOct 23, 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.

The composition of gut bacteria almost recovers after antibiotics

Researchers found that antibiotics can almost completely eradicate gut bacteria in healthy adults, but most species recover over time. However, a significant portion of beneficial bacteria remain missing, and the diversity of the gut ecosystem is diluted.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Microbiology·DateOct 23, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateOct 23, 2018

'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.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2018
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.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 2018

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.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalPublic Money & Management·DateOct 23, 2018

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.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 23, 2018