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Science News Archive October 2018 - Page 16


Page 16 of 47

Children as young as seven suffer effects of discrimination, study shows

A new study reveals children as young as 7 experience negative impacts of discrimination, with a strong sense of ethnic-racial identity acting as a protective factor. The research suggests that promoting understanding and belonging to one's ethnic group in early development can help mitigate these effects.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology·DateOct 22, 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.

Spotlighting differences in closely related species

Researchers build a genetic profile for section Nigri of Aspergillus fungi, allowing for comparisons within and across the subgroup. The study reveals thousands of new genes, species-specific gene clusters, and insights into species diversification and evolution.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 22, 2018

Fish give up the fight after coral bleaching

Researchers found that coral bleaching causes a decrease in aggressive behavior among butterflyfish, suggesting a link between bleaching and population declines. The study suggests that fish adjust their behavior in response to environmental stressors, but these changes may not be sustainable in the long term.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 22, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Immunotherapy improves survival in metastatic or recurrent head and neck cancer

A phase III study found that immunotherapy with pembrolizumab improves overall survival in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer, particularly those expressing PD-L1. The treatment also showed longer response duration and median response duration compared to standard chemotherapy.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateOct 22, 2018

New definition returns meaning to information

A new paper proposes a broadly applicable formal definition of semantic information, which emphasizes how information contributes to a system's ability to perpetuate itself. Semantic info is causal necessary for a system to maintain its existence over time.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateOct 22, 2018

Shifting tropical cyclone hazards

Researchers find increased TC activity at northern sites after 1920, posing a threat to regions currently outside the impact zone. Younger trees are more likely to experience disturbance at high latitudes, supporting a poleward shift in tropical cyclone hazards.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 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.

NASA tracks Tropical Storm Yutu, warnings posted

Tropical Storm Yutu rapidly intensified from a tropical depression, becoming a storm with strong thunderstorms and winds of up to 50 mph. The storm is expected to pass just north of Saipan late Wednesday night or Thursday morning, posing a threat to Guam.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 22, 2018

Targeting specific genomic mutation in breast cancer improves outcomes, first study shows

A new study shows that targeting the specific genomic mutation PIK3CA in hormone receptor-positive HER2-negative advanced breast cancer patients significantly improves progression-free survival. The study found that nearly twice as long PFS was observed in patients with PIK3CA mutations treated with alpelisib compared to the placebo gr...

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateOct 22, 2018

Low-income obesity patients lose weight in new study

Low-income obese patients lost a clinically meaningful amount of weight using a free phone app and coaching calls in a primary care clinic. The study found that 43% of participants lost more than 5% of their body weight, while 56% reached a healthy weight loss threshold.

SourceDuke University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 22, 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.

Researchers wake-up DNA from soil bacteria to discover novel acid antibiotic

Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered a novel acid antibiotic, Scleric Acid, by engineering DNA from soil bacteria. The compound shows moderate antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and has potential applications as a biocatalyst for manufacturing high-value chemicals.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalChemical Science·DateOct 22, 2018

For some young adults, the 2016 US election was a 'traumatic experience'

A study by San Francisco State University found that 25% of young adults experienced clinically significant stress after the 2016 US election, comparable to witnesses of a mass shooting. The study also highlighted strong impacts on racial and ethnic groups, as well as gender, political affiliation, and religion.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalJournal of American College Health·DateOct 22, 2018

Special journal issue looks for new clues about old life

A special journal issue explores the relationship between rising oxygen levels and the emergence of complex life, suggesting that increased oxygen may have driven innovation in animal body plans. However, debate remains among scientists regarding the cause-and-effect relationship between oxygenation and the evolution of complex life.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEmerging Topics in Life Sciences·DateOct 22, 2018

Asian elephants could be the maths kings of the jungle

Researchers found that Asian elephants possess numerical skills comparable to those in humans, unaffected by distance, magnitude, or ratios. The study used a touch-panel task to train an Asian elephant named Authai to judge relative quantities, with a success rate of 66.8%.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Ethology·DateOct 22, 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.

Structure of spherical viruses aren't as perfect as we thought

New study using cryo-EM reveals structural asymmetry in spherical viruses like dengue and Zika, challenging long-held assumptions about icosahedral symmetry. The research found that many viruses have nearly icosahedral structures, with unique features like 'belly buttons' on their outer layer.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2018

New algorithm can more quickly predict LED materials

Researchers developed a machine learning algorithm to predict properties of compounds for efficient phosphors in LEDs. The algorithm reduced the search time from weeks to just 30 seconds, identifying sodium-barium-borate as a promising material with 95% efficiency and outstanding thermal stability.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 22, 2018

Antipsychotics ineffective for treating ICU delirium

Critically ill patients are not benefiting from antipsychotic medications in treating delirium in ICUs, with no significant difference in duration or outcomes compared to placebo. The MIND USA study screened nearly 21,000 patients and found that these drugs bring risk without benefit.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 22, 2018

Nanosized ferroelectrics become a reality

Researchers at the University of Groningen have successfully created nanosized ferroelectric materials using hafnium oxide, which can store information like magnetic bits. The discovery could lead to more efficient and compact computer memory by leveraging the unique properties of these materials.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 22, 2018

Cells that change jobs to fight diabetes

Researchers at UNIGE discovered that α and δ cells can take over insulin production when β cells are damaged, leading to a phenomenon of cell plasticity. This finding opens the door to new treatments by harnessing the body's regenerative capacities.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateOct 22, 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.

Researchers have discovered a new cell structure

A new type of protein complex has been discovered in human cells, which attaches to its surroundings and plays a key role in cell division. This discovery challenges current knowledge of cell division and may provide answers to an unanswered question about how cells remain attached to the matrix during division.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateOct 22, 2018

Modern conflict: Screen time vs. nature

A new study found that gaps between screen time and outdoor time are most pronounced for girls, African American students, and eighth graders. Connection to nature plays a positive role in young people's physical health and psychological development, but contemporary children are spending less time outdoors than their predecessors.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEnvironment and Behavior·DateOct 22, 2018

Metabolic regulation and female puberty

Undernutrition delays puberty onset by enhancing AMPK levels in the hypothalamus of female rodents. Overexpressing active AMPK also delays puberty, implying its role in regulating female puberty via kisspeptin signaling.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2018
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.

Nose breathing enhances memory consolidation

A recent study published in JNeurosci found that nose breathing enhances memory consolidation. Researchers compared the effects of nose and mouth breathing during a one-hour consolidation period after participants were exposed to various odors. Nose breathers showed increased odor recognition, suggesting that nose breathing may facilit...

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateOct 22, 2018

RNA thought to spread cancer shows ability to suppress breast cancer metastasis

A study published in Nature Genetics found that long non-coding RNA MALAT1 suppresses breast cancer metastasis, contradicting its previously described role as a metastasis promoter. The researchers used mouse models to show that MALAT1 binds and inactivates TEAD, a transcription factor involved in promoting metastasis.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 22, 2018

Non-native plants and insectivorous birds

A study on Carolina chickadees in Washington, D.C. reveals that non-native plant biomass can reduce arthropod populations, forcing birds to switch diets or reproduce less. The findings suggest a link between non-native plants and the decline of insectivorous bird populations.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 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.

Aspirin alone a good clot buster after knee surgery

A recent study published in JAMA Surgery found that patients taking aspirin alone had similar protection against blood clots as those on anticoagulant treatments. Aspirin use has become increasingly popular among Michigan surgeons, with 70% of surgeons prescribing it to patients after knee replacement surgery.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateOct 22, 2018

3D bioprinting technique could create artificial blood vessels, organ tissue

Engineers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a 3D printing method that allows for fine-grain control over rigidity, enabling the creation of complex geometries similar to those found in blood vessels. This technology could lead to personalized treatments for hypertension and vascular diseases.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 22, 2018

Don't offer co-workers help unless asked

Research from Michigan State University found that proactive help can lead to less gratitude for the helper and lower esteem for the person receiving help. Experts advise waiting to be asked for help instead of going out looking for problems to solve.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateOct 22, 2018

How Darwin's finches diversify

A study on Darwin's finches reveals two pathways of species generation and diversification driven by selective mating based on body and beak size. The authors note that hybridization between similar lineages can drive speciation, highlighting the importance of conservation of diverse environmental conditions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 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.

How rants on social media can come back to haunt you

A UC Davis study found that negative chat has a much longer tail and stronger snowball effect than positive chat, affecting the original speaker for up to eight minutes. Positive messages also have a ripple effect, but it's shorter-lived, lasting only two seconds.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalBehavior Research Methods·DateOct 22, 2018

Yale-NUS researchers discover drug cocktail that increases lifespan

Yale-NUS researchers have discovered a combination of pharmaceutical drugs that extend healthy lifespan and delay ageing in microscopic worms. The study, published in Developmental Cell, lays crucial groundwork for further research into designing drug combinations that produce the same effect in mammals.

SourceYale-NUS College·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 22, 2018

Study finds availability of nitrogen to plants is declining as climate warms

Researchers found a global decline in nitrogen availability due to climate change, which can impact forest carbon sequestration and ecosystem health. The study suggests that even with reduced carbon emissions, many ecosystems will face nitrogen limitations, highlighting the need for sustainable land management practices.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateOct 22, 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.

Physicist takes cues from artificial intelligence

Cristiano Fanelli uses artificial intelligence to optimize particle detectors and study exotic hybrid mesons. He aims to apply deep learning techniques for accurate particle identification, revolutionizing nuclear physics research.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateOct 22, 2018

New agent against anthrax

A new agent has been developed to combat anthrax by reprogramming the human immune system's siderocalin protein to neutralize a special iron complexing agent produced by the bacterium. This approach is expected to provide an effective treatment against the life-threatening infection.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 22, 2018

Antibodies linked to heart attacks

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered high levels of antiphospholipid antibodies in patients who suffered a heart attack without any autoimmune conditions. The study involved 800 patients and found that 11% had elevated IgG antibody levels, which is associated with blood clots.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 22, 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.

A topical gel to protect farmers from lethal effects of pesticides

A team of researchers at inStem has developed a nucleophilic polymer-based topical gel that can deactivates pesticides on the skin through nucleophilic-mediated hydrolysis, preventing pesticide-induced toxicity and lethality. The gel shows broad-spectrum activity against commonly used pesticides in India.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 22, 2018

New technique reveals limb control in flies -- and maybe robots

Scientists developed a new method to record limb control neural circuits in fruit flies using two-photon microscopy. The study found different patterns of activity across neurons during movement and behavior, including walking and grooming.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 22, 2018

In kids with autism, short questionnaire may detect GI disorders

A new study introduces a 17-item questionnaire to identify gastrointestinal disorders in children with autism, which can lead to behavioral problems. The screening tool correctly identified over 80% of children with GI disorders, offering hope for more effective treatment.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateOct 22, 2018
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.

Electron microscope provided look inside the organic chemical reaction

Researchers at Zelinsky Institute successfully observed an organic catalytic reaction in a liquid medium using electron microscopy. The study demonstrated the possibilities of employing nanostructured reagents in organic synthesis and provided insights into the reaction mechanism and its potential practical applications.

SourceAKSON Russian Science Communication Association·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 22, 2018

Study shows volunteering benefits those with lupus

A study at Hospital for Special Surgery found that volunteering in a peer support program for people with lupus has a positive impact on volunteers' ability to cope with their condition. Volunteers gained valuable knowledge about lupus and reported improved mental health, including reduced isolation and depression.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·DateOct 22, 2018

Home-based biofeedback therapy is effective option for tough-to-treat constipation

A study found that home-based biofeedback therapy is about 70 percent effective in helping patients learn to coordinate and relax bowel muscles to relieve dyssynergic defecation. The therapy involves using a reusable sensor probe connected to a handheld pressure monitor to provide visual feedback on muscle contractions.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 22, 2018

HIV-infected Hispanic adults face higher risks of HPV-related cancers

A new study reveals that HIV-infected Hispanics in the US are at a higher risk of developing HPV-related cancers than their non-Hispanic counterparts. The study found significant disparities in cancer incidence rates among Hispanic and non-Hispanic populations, highlighting the need for targeted HPV-vaccination and screening programs.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateOct 22, 2018
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.