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Science News Archive October 2018 - Page 20


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.

SourceSamara University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateOct 18, 2018

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.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalMultifunctional Materials·DateOct 18, 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.

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.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Plants·DateOct 18, 2018

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.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateOct 18, 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.

Gender equality and economic development promote gender-specific preferences

A new study suggests that more equal women's opportunities and resources lead to distinct differences in preferences between men and women. The research, based on survey data from 76 countries, found a stronger differentiation in preferences in more developed and gender-equal counties.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 18, 2018

One in six premenopausal early breast cancer patients do not adhere to hormonal therapy

A French prospective study found that nearly one in six premenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer do not adequately adhere to tamoxifen therapy after one year, potentially leading to increased risk of recurrence. The study aimed to identify clinical and social characteristics associated with poor adherence to endocrine therapy.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateOct 18, 2018
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.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 18, 2018

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalPediatric Research·DateOct 18, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalJoule·DateOct 18, 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.

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNeuron·DateOct 18, 2018

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience·DateOct 18, 2018

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.

SourceYale University·JournalCell·DateOct 18, 2018

Managing the complexities and risks of HIV and tuberculosis coinfection

A study found that patients with HIV are more likely to experience tuberculosis drug-related adverse events and have longer treatment durations. The researchers emphasized the importance of having resources and expertise to treat coinfected patients in areas with high HIV prevalence.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAIDS Research and Human Retroviruses·DateOct 18, 2018
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.

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.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateOct 18, 2018

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.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·DateOct 18, 2018

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 18, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 18, 2018

Female chimpanzees know which males are most likely to kill their babies

Researchers found that mothers adjust their behavior when a mid-ranking male rapidly rises in rank, reducing association with him and seeking stable high-rank males for protection. This highlights the females' sensitivity to the relative risks posed by different males to their infants.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateOct 18, 2018

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateOct 18, 2018

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.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe CRISPR Journal·DateOct 18, 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.

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.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 18, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·DateOct 18, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJournal of Science Learning·DateOct 18, 2018

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.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalResearch in Developmental Disabilities·DateOct 18, 2018

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 18, 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.

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·DateOct 18, 2018

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.

SourceWestmead Institute for Medical Research·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateOct 18, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalScience·DateOct 18, 2018

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.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 18, 2018

For preterm infants, skin-to-skin contact affects hormone levels -- and may promote parental engagement

Skin-to-skin contact between preterm infants and their parents influences hormone levels related to attachment and stress. Increased oxytocin and decreased cortisol levels during skin-to-skin contact are associated with higher parental engagement scores, suggesting a potential benefits of promoting early contact for preterm infants.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAdvances in Neonatal Care·DateOct 18, 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.

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.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience·DateOct 18, 2018

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.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 18, 2018

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.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJAMA Facial Plastic Surgery·DateOct 18, 2018

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.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJCI Insight·DateOct 18, 2018

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.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·DateOct 18, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateOct 18, 2018

Cancer-associated mutations are common in normal human esophagus

Researchers discovered that cancer-associated genetic mutations are prevalent in healthy esophageal epithelium tissue, accumulating with age. By middle age, over half of the tissue contained mutant clones, suggesting a potential origin for esophageal cancers.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 18, 2018

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.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateOct 18, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalSoft Matter·DateOct 18, 2018

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.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 18, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateOct 18, 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.

Estimating the feeding habits of corals may offer new insights on resilient reefs

Researchers found that corals living in more productive waters consume plankton and other microorganisms for energy, suggesting some corals are less reliant on symbiotic algae. This discovery could aid predictions on coral recovery from bleaching events and inform strategies for identifying resilient reefs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 18, 2018

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 18, 2018

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.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateOct 18, 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.