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Science News Archive October 2018 - Page 2


Page 2 of 47

Inflammation can lead to circadian sleep disorders

A Northwestern University study found that inflammation can disrupt the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to circadian sleep disorders. The research used a genetic switch to turn inflammation on and off in mice, revealing a link between inflammatory diseases and the body's clock.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 31, 2018

Decoding how brain circuits control behavior

Researchers have made a major breakthrough in understanding how brain circuits control behavior by identifying two types of intermingled nerve cells with distinct roles. The study used extensive analyses of neurons' shapes, gene activity, and function to tease out which cells are responsible for planning and initiating movements.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 2018

Are we losing one of our biggest CO2 sinks?

A recent study reveals that eelgrass meadows store significant amounts of organic carbon, comparable to tropical seagrass species and mangroves. The distribution area of these meadows has decreased by at least 1/3rd over the past 50 years, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.

SourceAbo Akademi University·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateOct 31, 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.

Potential markers identified for early detection and prevention of liver cancer

A new study has identified glycolytic enzymes as potential biomarkers for early detection and prevention of liver cancer. The research found that the shift to glycolysis in cirrhotic livers is associated with a higher risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, offering hope for improved early detection and treatment.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·DateOct 31, 2018

The materials engineers are developing environmentally friendly materials

Materials engineers are developing environmentally friendly materials, including graphene-based nanofibers, for various applications such as environmental protection, agriculture, medicine, and clothing industry. These nanofibers offer unique properties like conductivity, strength, flexibility, and bio-basis, making them promising for ...

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalCarbon·DateOct 31, 2018

Controlling future summer weather extremes still within our grasp

Climate scientists predict that extreme summers, like 2018, will continue if countries don't phase out fossil fuels; however, switching to cleaner coal-burning technology can mitigate this effect. Aerosols play a crucial role in regulating temperatures and cooling the planet.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 31, 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.

The ESRF cryo-electron microscope bears fruit in its first year

The ESRF cryo-electron microscope has achieved significant results in its first year, publishing research on the 5-HT3 serotonin receptor. The study revealed the receptor's activation cycle and binding pockets, providing crucial information for developing antinausea drugs.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 2018

Don't underestimate the force

A team of researchers at the University of Tokyo has identified the weak van der Waals forces holding together a tiny, self-assembling box. The box can bulge to accommodate large or long guest molecules and contract to eliminate extra space when hosting negatively charged guests.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 31, 2018

Relapsed leukemia flies under immune system's radar

Researchers found that relapsed leukemia cells have reduced expression of genes involved in immune recognition, making them invisible to the immune system. Interferon gamma has been shown to turn back on these hidden immune markers, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for AML patients who relapse after transplantation.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 31, 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.

Kent scientists unlock secrets of falcon DNA

University of Kent researchers have created chromosome-level assemblies for three falcon species, providing insights into their biology and ecology. The study's findings reveal a unique pattern of genome organization not typical in birds.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalDiversity·DateOct 31, 2018

Minimally invasive surgery associated with worse survival for women with cervical cancer compared to open hysterectomy

Two studies found that minimally invasive radical hysterectomy is associated with higher recurrence rates and worse overall survival for women with early-stage cervical cancer. The findings have already changed care at MD Anderson Cancer Center and could impact surgical management of all women with early-stage disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 31, 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.

Bose-Einstein condensate generated in space for the first time

A team of scientists has successfully generated a Bose-Einstein condensate in space, opening up new possibilities for high-precision measurements in zero gravity. The condensate can be used to measure the Earth's gravitational field, detect gravitational waves, and test Einstein's equivalence principle with unprecedented accuracy.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 2018

Monitoring air pollution after Hurricane Maria

Researchers deployed low-cost, solar-powered sensors to monitor air quality in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. The devices detected high levels of sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide, exceeding EPA standards on nearly 80% of days during the monitoring period.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Earth and Space Chemistry·DateOct 31, 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.

CNIO finds the origin of a type of thrombocytopenia caused by an oncogene

Researchers at CNIO have linked the protein MASTL to a type of inherited thrombocytopenia, which may lead to breakthroughs in cancer metastasis research. They discovered that manipulating other enzymes could potentially reverse the defect and explored its therapeutic potential.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 31, 2018

UTA researcher developing chip-scale system for quantum communications

Researchers create integrated quantum transceiver capable of sending and receiving quantum information over various waveforms, enabling fast, robust and photon-efficient quantum communications. The team aims to develop a single-chip system that can be used for both free space and optical fiber communication.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateOct 31, 2018
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.

OSU helps establish roadmap for filling the gaps in forest pollinator research

Researchers from OSU and international partners have established a roadmap for understanding the role of managed conifer forests in pollinator conservation. The agenda focuses on three themes: establishing baseline patterns, assessing forest management impacts, and quantifying effects of natural disturbances.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Forestry·DateOct 31, 2018

Appendix identified as a potential starting point for Parkinson's disease

A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that removing the appendix early in life can lower the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The appendix acts as a reservoir for disease-associated proteins, and appendectomy delays disease progression by an average of 3.6 years.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 31, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Virtual program successful in linking adult protective services, geriatric specialists

The virtual program, launched at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, has increased mistreated elderly Texans' access to elder mistreatment and geriatric experts by quadrupling APS worker and client referrals. The network provides access to UTHealth team for APS workers using videophone-assisted secure devices.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 31, 2018

European workers fail to maintain water balance

A study by the Pan-European Heat-Shield project found that 7 out of 10 European workers suffer from dehydration due to failure to maintain water balance, negatively impacting cognitive function and motor performance. This threatens both safety and productivity in various occupations.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 31, 2018

Pain sensitization increases risk of persistent knee pain

Researchers found four subgroups with varying degrees of pain sensitization, with the highest degree associated with persistent knee pain. Identifying these subgroups may lead to novel approaches for preventing persistent knee pain.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateOct 31, 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.

Chirality of vitamin-D derivative affects the protonation states of its receptor protein

Researchers found that altered chirality of vitamin-D derivatives can change the protonation states of histidine residues in the VDR protein, leading to stronger binding and more stable complexes. This discovery emphasizes the importance of considering protonation states in molecular simulations for drug design.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalThe Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateOct 31, 2018

The when, where and what of air pollutant exposure

Researchers in South India measured personal exposure to fine particulate matter using a combination of techniques, finding significant differences between men and women. Men showed higher levels of personal exposure throughout the day, while women's exposures were related to cooking and industrial activities.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 31, 2018

Traumatic brain injury: What happens next?

Researchers aim to develop more efficient classification and predictive models for traumatic brain injuries, which would allow clinicians to provide targeted care and improve patient outcomes. The study's findings could also inform clinical trials and allocate resources more effectively.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateOct 31, 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.

Large cells for tiny leaves

Researchers discovered that LMI1 protein limits cell growth, preventing large cells from developing into other tissue types, resulting in smaller leaves despite early cell growth. The study also found that LMI1 regulates pea leaf morphology by producing thread-like tendrils at the tip of the leaf and large stipules at the base.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 31, 2018

New method peeks inside the 'black box' of artificial intelligence

Researchers developed a new approach to interpret machine learning algorithms, revealing how they can produce nonsensical answers even when given meaningful inputs. By reducing inputs to the bare minimum required for correct answers, the method provides insights into algorithmic limitations and potential solutions.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·DateOct 31, 2018

Cooling 'brains on fire' to treat Parkinson's

Researchers at The University of Queensland have developed a promising new therapy using the small molecule MCC950, which blocks NLRP3 activation and prevents brain cell loss in Parkinson's patients. The therapy shows marked improvement in motor function and may offer an alternative approach to current treatments.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 31, 2018

Ultrasensitive toxic gas detector

Scientists have created a novel gas sensor based on vertically aligned WO3-CuO core-shell nanorod arrays, achieving ultrasensitivity to ammonia (NH3) gas. The hybrid sensor exhibits high gas response and short recovery times, making it suitable for detecting toxic gases.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalNANO·DateOct 31, 2018

Low-fat diet increases cancer survival rate in mice, study finds

A low-fat diet has been shown to increase the survival rate of obese children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia by five times compared to a high-fat diet. This dietary intervention could potentially help kill cancer cells and improve treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCancer & Metabolism·DateOct 31, 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.

3 percent of children hit daily activity target

A recent study published in Journal of Physical Activity and Health found that only 3.2% of Year Five children (aged nine or ten) met the recommended daily physical activity target of 60 minutes, with even lower levels among girls. This suggests that previous studies may have overestimated the prevalence of children meeting the recomme...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Physical Activity and Health·DateOct 31, 2018

Online sperm donors more agreeable: QUT study

A new study analyzing online sperm donors reveals they are more agreeable than traditional clinic donors. The researchers found exclusively online donors were more likely to be in committed relationships and identify with non-heterosexual sex identities.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalJournal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology·DateOct 31, 2018

JILA researchers see signs of interactive form of quantum matter

Researchers have isolated groups of a few atoms and precisely measured their multi-particle interactions within an atomic clock. The study reveals unexpected results when three or more atoms are together, including nonlinear shifts in the clock's frequency and long-lived entangled states.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 2018

Gaining unknown insights

A new imaging process will enable x-ray microscopy on living subjects, facilitating more detailed analysis of bone structure changes in osteoporosis. The European Research Council funds the project with a €12.3 million grant.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·DateOct 31, 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.

Artificial intelligence bot trained to recognize galaxies

Researchers have developed an AI bot named ClaRAN to identify galaxies emitting powerful radio jets from supermassive black holes. The system uses machine learning to spot complex galaxy structures, reducing manual classification by human astronomers.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 31, 2018

Hard cider, with a shot of sugar

Researchers analyzed 23 popular hard ciders and found that 60% of domestic brands contained added sugars from cane or corn syrup. The study's findings suggest that labels are not a reliable way to determine whether a cider has added sugar, due to discrepancies between expected and observed isotopic ratios.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateOct 31, 2018

More black South Africans are donating blood

The South African National Blood Service has increased the proportion of donations from black South Africans by fivefold since 2005. This significant improvement is attributed to the implementation of individual donation nucleic acid testing (NAT), which has reduced HIV transmission risks.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalTransfusion·DateOct 31, 2018

Can bacteria colonies be good neighbors?

Researchers studied bacterial ecological systems using experiments and computer models to investigate population dynamics, identifying key role of stochastic effects in early colony patterning. They also found that interactions between neighboring bacteria can amplify local variation, influencing competition outcomes.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysical Biology·DateOct 31, 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.

A fully human system to cultivate skin cells for grafting

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School and Singapore General Hospital develop a fully human system to cultivate skin cells for grafting, eliminating the need for animal-derived products. This breakthrough method uses specific laminin proteins to support the growth of human keratinocytes in the laboratory.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 31, 2018

$6 million grant launches innovative genetic research at Bigelow Laboratory

The four-year project will develop and apply new tools to connect the functions of individual microbes to their genetic makeup in diverse marine and continental environments. Combing single-cell genomics with measurements of microbial metabolism will help understand the role of microbes in cycling biologically important compounds.

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·DateOct 31, 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.

Appendix removal tied to decreased Parkinson's disease risk in about 20 percent of cases

A large-scale Swedish study found that removing the appendix reduces Parkinson's disease risk by about 19.3%, with a greater effect seen in rural populations potentially counteracting environmental risk factors like pesticide exposure. Early intervention strategies targeting alpha-synuclein accumulation could be promising.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 31, 2018

Nanostraws deliver molecules to human cells safely and efficiently

Researchers have developed a new method to deliver molecules into human cells using nanostraws, which are tiny glass-like protrusions that poke equally tiny holes in cell walls. The technique is more precise, faster, and safer than existing methods, with the ability to deliver molecules in just 20 seconds.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 31, 2018