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Science News Archive October 2018 - Page 23


Page 23 of 47

School students identify sounds caused by solar storm

A team of school students from Eltham Hill School successfully identified ultra-low frequency sounds caused by a solar storm in the Earth's magnetic shield. The study made data audible for exploration, revealing new patterns and commonality among these waves.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalSpace Weather·DateOct 17, 2018

How does brain structure influence performance on language tasks?

A new study using computational models shows promise in understanding how brain structure impacts performance on language-related tasks. The research found relationships between brain characteristics and task speed, potentially leading to advancements in treating diseases and enhancing human performance.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateOct 17, 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.

Many infertile men have undiagnosed prediabetes

A recent study of 744 infertile men found that 15.4% had undiagnosed prediabetes, with factors including older age and high follicle stimulating hormone levels linked to the condition. The study suggests that infertility in men may be associated with impaired glucose metabolism.

SourceWiley·JournalBJU International·DateOct 17, 2018

Scientists find unusual behavior in topological material

Researchers identify CoNb3S6 as a topological material exhibiting an extremely large anomalous Hall effect due to its unique electronic structure. The discovery opens doors for advances in materials science and potential electronic applications.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 17, 2018

Supermassive black holes and supercomputers

Researchers used supercomputers to simulate early universe, revealing formation of first stars and galaxies. Metal-enriched gas enabled rapid star formation, leading to smaller, more numerous stars and galaxy evolution.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences·DateOct 17, 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.

Just the right dose: antiepileptic drug clearance changes during pregnancy

A new study found that antiepileptic drug clearance significantly changes by the first trimester for one commonly used medication and by the second trimester for two others. The findings have implications for adjusting medication doses during pregnancy to keep women with epilepsy seizure-free and safe.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNeurology·DateOct 17, 2018

Study examines aspects of conscientious objection among nurses

A study of eight Ontario nurses reveals that making conscientious objections to ethically-relevant policies requires concrete supports and protection in healthcare settings. The researchers emphasize the need for routine conversations about conscience and conscientious objection to respect human rights and promote ethical practice.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing·DateOct 17, 2018

The impact of microplastics on the environment unclear, study suggests

A review of 320 global studies found a large mismatch in microplastic types measured in the environment and those tested for effects in laboratories. The study highlights the need for better quality monitoring and environmentally realistic effects studies to understand the impact of microplastics on the environment.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateOct 17, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Arctic ice sets speed limit for major ocean current

The Beaufort Gyre's speed is controlled by the Arctic ice cover, which acts as a natural governor to slow down the gyre. As the Arctic ice melts, the gyre speeds up, gathering more fresh water from the Arctic's river runoff and melting ice.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 17, 2018

Going to bed with your ex might not be as bad you think

A study published in Archives of Sexual Behavior found that having sex with an ex does not necessarily hinder breakup recovery. In fact, those who continued to pine after their ex-partner more often sought out sexual activity as a way to foster closeness and connection.

SourceSpringer·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateOct 17, 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.

Engineered enzyme eliminates nicotine addiction in preclinical tests

Researchers test engineered NicA2-J1 enzyme, breaking down nicotine before it reaches brain, reversing signs of nicotine dependence and reducing relapse rates. The treatment shows promise in preclinical tests, potentially offering a new smoking-cessation treatment option.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 17, 2018

Hormone alters male brain networks to enhance sexual and emotional function

A new study by Imperial College London reveals that kisspeptin, the master regulator of reproduction, affects brain activity in healthy volunteers, leading to decreased sexual aversion and increased brain activity associated with sexual arousal. The hormone also boosts networks involved in mood and depression.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJCI Insight·DateOct 17, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Genomic analysis offers insight into 2018 Nigeria Lassa fever outbreak

A genomic analysis of Lassa virus genomes from patients in Nigeria found that the surge in cases in 2018 was not driven by a single dominant virus strain. The study suggests that human-to-human transmission may be rare, with evidence pointing to multiple independent zoonotic transmissions through contact with rodent feces or urine.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 17, 2018

Selfish people have fewer children and earn less money

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that unselfish individuals have more children and higher salaries than their selfish counterparts. The researchers examined data from four major studies on Americans and Europeans, concluding that generosity is associated with greater economic success.

SourceStockholm University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 17, 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.

Environmental factors may trigger onset of multiple sclerosis

Researchers found structural changes in myelin sheaths triggered by environmental factors can lead to autoimmune attacks that cause MS. The study suggests even minor changes in local conditions may precipitate the disease.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2018

A stabilizing influence enables lithium-sulfur battery evolution

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a stable cathode material that can hold polysulfides in place, maintaining energy density while reducing weight and production time. The new approach uses titanium monoxide nanofibers to immobilize polysulfides, enabling Li-S batteries to achieve superior performance through hundreds of c...

SourceDrexel University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 16, 2018

Can forests save us from climate change?

A new study published in Nature found that sustainable forest management can only provide modest, local benefits rather than a significant impact on the global climate. Forests themselves will need to be adapted to climate change to sustain their ecological and social services.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature·DateOct 16, 2018

Controlling organic semiconductor band gaps by electron-acceptor fluorination

The study introduces a fluorinated electron-acceptor unit that precisely controls the energy levels within an organic semiconductor, leading to improved hole and electron injection and transport. The resulting thin film solar cell exhibits high photovoltaic performance with a power conversion efficiency of up to 3.12%.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNPG Asia Materials·DateOct 16, 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.

UMBC researchers develop new method to address deep-seated biases in science

A new statistical technique helps address gender and publication biases in science by explicitly testing for equivalence rather than difference. The method allows for the comparison of similarities between traits, providing insights into conservation efforts and knowledge gaps in fields like ecology and animal behavior.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateOct 16, 2018

When it comes to smartphone lifespan, brand name matters more than hardware

A new study by Yale researchers found that brand cache plays a significant role in extending smartphone lifespans, with iPhones lasting up to 67 months compared to Samsung phones' 54.5 months. The study analyzed over 500,000 secondhand phone listings on eBay and found that Apple's brand reputation contributes to its longer lifespan.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateOct 16, 2018

All in the family: Kin of gravitational wave source discovered

Researchers have identified a direct relative of the historic neutron star merger that produced the first simultaneous detection of light and gravitational waves. The newly described object, named GRB150101B, shares remarkable similarities with GW170817 and suggests that these events may be from the same family of objects.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 16, 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.

Are trigger warnings emotionally protective?

Researchers found that trigger warnings can lead to avoidance and less negative reactions, but those who believe them protective do not feel better. The study used three studies with over 1,300 participants and suggests that more research is needed on the topic.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateOct 16, 2018

Simple stickers may save lives of patients, athletes and lower medical costs

Researchers at Purdue University have developed wearable electronic stickers that can monitor physical activity and alert users to potential health risks in real-time. The low-cost, disposable devices are made from paper-like cellulose and can be used to track sleep patterns of patients or monitor athletes' health during exercise.

SourcePurdue University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 16, 2018

Brain cancer survival has improved -- but not much for elderly

A nationwide Finnish study found that brain cancer survival has improved overall, with younger patients experiencing significant gains in median survival time. However, elderly patients saw minimal improvement, highlighting the need for more effective treatment strategies for this growing patient population.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNeuro-Oncology·DateOct 16, 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.

Multidisciplinary team to develop stem cell-based approaches to restore vision

A multidisciplinary team of scientists from the University of Pennsylvania, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and University of Wisconsin-Madison are developing a stem cell-based approach to treat blindness in dogs. The researchers aim to generate specialized retinal cells using adult stem cells and transplant them into the retina.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·DateOct 16, 2018

What's in the man box? Increased violence & suicidal thoughts

A new Australian study found that young men who conform to traditional definitions of manhood, dubbed 'the man box,' are more likely to experience poor mental health, engage in binge drinking and traffic accidents, and be involved in physical bullying and violence. The study suggests that promoting positive alternatives to the Man Box ...

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateOct 16, 2018

Experts recommend new way to describe cognitive changes after anesthesia, surgery in elderly patient

Experts recommend changing the way clinicians and patients describe cognitive changes experienced after anesthesia and surgery, particularly in elderly patients. The new nomenclature suggests Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorder (PND), which includes delirium, delayed neurocognitive recovery, and mild or major neurocognitive disorder.

SourceAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists·JournalAnesthesiology·DateOct 16, 2018

Infectious diarrhea spores survive high temperatures of hospital laundering

Researchers found that high-temperature laundry methods failed to remove all traces of C. difficile spores from hospital bedsheets, suggesting linens as a potential source of infection. The study calls for further research to establish the true burden of hospital bedsheets in outbreaks.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateOct 16, 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.

Moon helps reveal secrets of the universe

A team of astronomers used the Moon as a reference point to measure the brightness of the Milky Way, helping them detect faint signals from hydrogen atoms in the infant Universe. This detection could confirm or refute theoretical models of the Universe's early evolution.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 16, 2018

Age-related increase in estrogen may cause common men's hernia

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that age-related increases in estrogen levels can weaken abdominal walls and cause inguinal hernias. The researchers discovered that a hormone inhibitor could strengthen muscles and prevent hernias, offering potential treatment for at-risk patients.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 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.

Amount of weight regain after bariatric surgery helps predict health risks

A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that measuring percentage of weight regained after bariatric surgery can help predict serious health problems. The rate of weight regain was highest in the first year following maximum weight loss, indicating early detection and treatment may be crucial.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJAMA·DateOct 16, 2018

Texas A&M Center to aid stewardship of US nuclear weapons

The Texas A&M Center for Research Excellence on Dynamically Deformed Solids (CREDDS) will explore advanced manufacturing processes and new materials for nuclear weapon refurbishment. The center will also train the next generation of scientists and engineers to ensure the safety, security, and effectiveness of the US nuclear deterrent.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateOct 16, 2018

RUDN physicist described the shape of a wormhole

A RUDN physicist has demonstrated how to calculate the shape of a symmetrical wormhole based on its wave spectrum, providing new insights into the physics of black holes. The research uses quantum mechanical and geometrical assumptions to determine the shape and mass of a wormhole from observable properties such as red shift.

SourceRUDN University·JournalPhysics Letters B·DateOct 16, 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.

Do lovers always tease each other? Study shows how couples handle laughter and banter

Couples who handle laughter and being laughed at similarly tend to be more content in their relationship. However, being afraid of being laughed at can have negative effects on relationship satisfaction and trust. Researchers found that those who enjoy laughing about others but not being laughed at often argue more frequently.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateOct 16, 2018

Why heart contractions are weaker in those with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Researchers have discovered that a specific gene mutation, R403Q, affects the force and velocity of myosin molecule contractions in individuals with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This finding has implications for developing targeted drugs to improve heart function in affected patients.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2018

How healthy will we be in 2040?

A new study forecasts that global life expectancy will increase, but nearly half of all nations may face lower life expectancies by 2040. China and several other countries are expected to see significant gains in life expectancy, while Palestine and some high-income nations are forecast to experience declines.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 16, 2018

A bad influence: the interplay between tumor cells and immune cells

Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute discovered that different types of lung tumors recruit distinct immune cells, which can help or hinder tumor growth. The study found that high levels of neutrophils are associated with a bad response to immunotherapy, suggesting them as a potential target for new treatments.

SourceHuntsman Cancer Institute·JournalImmunity·DateOct 16, 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.

Moving location of fruit and vegetables can lead to 15 percent sales increase

Research at the University of Warwick found that relocating fresh produce in a store led to a 15% increase in fruit and vegetable sales, without any further marketing efforts. This 'nudge' technique can encourage healthier diets among young adults, supporting a declining trend in fruit and vegetable consumption.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBMC Public Health·DateOct 16, 2018

Climate changes require better adaptation to drought

A European team of scientists investigated the impact of heat and drought on maize and winter wheat yields under climate change. They found that drought poses a greater threat to maize than heat stress, with yield losses expected to increase due to changing climate conditions.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 16, 2018