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Science News Archive October 2018 - Page 31


Page 31 of 47

Genetics allows personalized disease predictions for chronic blood cancers

Researchers developed a method to make personalized predictions of future disease outcomes for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms. By combining genetic and clinical information, the study identified eight different genetic subgroups that link to patterns of clinical disease and patient prognosis.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 10, 2018

Clues to lupus's autoimmune origins in precursor cells

A recent study found that DN2 B cells, a type of immune cell, are expanded in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and may be responsible for the production of autoantibodies. The research suggests that targeting these cells could provide new insights into treating the disease.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalImmunity·DateOct 10, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nail polishes with 'n-free' labels are not necessarily free of toxic compounds

Researchers found that some substitutes for di-n-butyl phthalate and triphenyl phosphate may be harmful, raising concerns about 'regrettable substitution'. The study of 40 nail polishes revealed that manufacturers have removed DnBP but still use similar toxic substitutes without disclosure.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 10, 2018

The making of soldier ants

Scientists at McGill University found that a rudimentary 'organ' in ants regulates the balance between soldiers and workers, allowing colonies to maintain a constant ratio. By controlling the growth of this organ, ants can rapidly produce more soldiers when needed.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateOct 10, 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.

NIH study finds probiotic Bacillus eliminates Staphylococcus bacteria

A NIH study found that probiotic Bacillus eliminates Staphylococcus bacteria, preventing its growth in the gut and nose of healthy individuals. The researchers identified fengycins, a specific class of lipopeptides, as the substance responsible for inhibiting S. aureus sensing system.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature·DateOct 10, 2018

Team gets a closer look at how proteins meet on the cell membrane

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered the molecular mechanisms of protein talin's activation of integrin on the cell membrane. This process is essential for cell adhesion and plays a crucial role in cancer progression and metastasis.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 2018

E-cigarettes should be used more actively to help smokers quit, experts recommend

Research suggests that e-cigarettes have the potential to significantly impact smoking cessation efforts, particularly among vulnerable populations. A study by the University of Exeter found that stop-smoking services which are e-cigarette friendly can make a considerable difference in helping people give up smoking.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalHarm Reduction Journal·DateOct 10, 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.

Prescience: Helping doctors predict the future

Researchers developed Prescience, a system that uses patient charts and sensor data to predict hypoxemia. The system provides explanations for its predictions, enabling anesthesiologists to better understand patient risks and prevent complications.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateOct 10, 2018

Heusler, Weyl and Berry

Heusler compounds have been found to host non-trivial topological properties, including the discovery of Weyl fermions. The study also reveals the importance of Berry curvature in determining key effects like the anomalous Hall Effect. This research has significant implications for energy conversion and quantum electronic devices.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·JournalNature Reviews Materials·DateOct 10, 2018

UCI researchers discover molecular mechanisms of ancient herbal remedies

Researchers from the University of California, Irvine have discovered that two components of the Mallotus leaf extract activate KCNQ2/3 potassium ion channels, essential for controlling electrical activity in the brain. The combination of these compounds is highly effective at preventing life-threatening seizures.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 10, 2018

Boxing up ag field nitrogen

Saturated riparian buffer strips can effectively reduce nitrate loads into nearby streams and lakes by reconnecting water flow through the soil, allowing growers to continue using tile drains. The system's cost per pound of nitrate removed is $1.33 for a 40-year lifetime, making it a simpler and cheaper alternative to other systems.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateOct 10, 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.

Pneumonia-causing bacteria can be spread by nose picking and rubbing

A study found that pneumococcus bacteria can spread at the same rate whether it is dry or wet, and when a person picks or pokes their nose as when they rub their nose. Ensuring good hand hygiene and keeping toys clean could help protect young children from catching and spreading the bacteria.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateOct 10, 2018

Cancer patients with rare deadly brain infection treated successfully with off-the-shelf adoptive T-cell therapy

A Phase II clinical trial found marked improvement in three patients with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare and often fatal brain infection. Patients infused with donor T cells targeting the BK virus experienced significant reductions in JC viral load and clinical improvement.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 10, 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.

Hundreds of patients with undiagnosed diseases find answers, study reports

A study by Stanford Medicine and the Undiagnosed Disease Network has diagnosed over 100 patients with previously unknown ailments, providing actionable information for treatment. The network, created in 2014, uses a combination of traditional medicine and cutting-edge genomic technologies to solve mysterious cases.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 10, 2018

Feeding 10 billion people by 2050 within planetary limits may be achievable

A new study suggests that feeding 10 billion people sustainably by 2050 is achievable through a combination of dietary changes, improved agricultural practices, and reduced food loss and waste. The researchers found that adopting more plant-based diets could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over half and other environmental impacts.

SourceStockholm Resilience Centre·JournalNature·DateOct 10, 2018

Creating custom brains from the ground up

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have developed a new method to create customized mouse models for studying the brain. This technique involves using a natural toxin to kill off developing brain cells, allowing scientists to reconstitute the forebrain from genetically engineered stem cells. The resulting mice have tightly contr...

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature·DateOct 10, 2018

Indigenous fire practice protecting the Gibson Desert's biodiversity

Research suggests that Indigenous fire practices are protecting plant biodiversity in the Gibson Desert by preventing ecosystem transformations, retaining critical species. The traditional burning practices of the Pintupi people have helped conserve unique flora and prevent the destruction of desert myrtle shrubs.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalOecologia·DateOct 10, 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.

What causes nuclear waste glass to dissolve?

Researchers from the University of Houston and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are investigating what causes nuclear waste glass to dissolve over time. They found that zeolite crystals facilitate faster dissolution, and are exploring ways to slow or impede their formation.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateOct 10, 2018

New approach could jumpstart breathing after spinal cord injury

A team at the Krembil Research Institute in Toronto has developed a novel strategy to target dormant neurons that can restore breathing following spinal cord injury. The research, published in Nature, shows promise for treating dysfunctional breathing, a major cause of death or disease among people with spinal cord injuries.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalNature·DateOct 10, 2018

Mount Sinai builds modeling systems identifying gene-drug and environment interaction

A new approach integrates genomic and temporal information to infer causal relationships between genes, drugs, and their environment, allowing for a more accurate prediction of their interactions over time. The tool demonstrates the improvements in inferring genetic causes of disease enabled by higher-resolution molecular profiling.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 10, 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.

Tracking a killer

UCSB, UCSD, and SBP researchers developed a method to track sepsis development on a molecular level, revealing different pathways depending on host responses to various pathogens. Boosting anti-inflammatory activity or blocking TLR-4 activation showed potential as therapeutic approaches.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateOct 10, 2018

Nutrients may reduce blood glucose levels

A study by Joslin Diabetes Center shows that alanine can activate AMPK, increasing energy production and lowering glucose levels. This finding suggests a new potential way to modify glucose metabolism in the body.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalMolecular Metabolism·DateOct 10, 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.

The pentagon and the bean

Researchers have revealed the structure of immune protein IgM, showing it to be an incomplete hexagon. This discovery has significant implications for developing effective medicines for various diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders. The structural connection between IgM and AIM proteins suggests that drugs targeting AIM...

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 10, 2018

Understanding catalysts at the atomic level can provide a cleaner environment

By studying materials down to the atomic level, researchers have found a way to improve catalytic efficiency and reduce environmental impact. They used advanced electron microscopy and computer simulations to optimize atomic spacing in metallic nanoparticles, leading to more energy-efficient catalysts.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 10, 2018

GeoSEA array records sliding of Mount Etna's southeastern flank

Scientists have recorded horizontal and vertical movement of a submerged volcanic flank for the first time using a sound-based underwater geodetic monitoring network. The entire southeastern flank is in motion due to gravity, and a catastrophic collapse could trigger a major tsunami.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 10, 2018

Synapse 'protection' signal found; helps to refine brain circuits

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have discovered a 'don't eat me' signal that prevents microglia from pruning useful connections. This 'yin/yang' system helps fine-tune brain circuits, ensuring normal brain development and potentially treating neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNeuron·DateOct 10, 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.

Simple fabrication of full-color perovskite LEDs

Perovskite nanoparticles are capable of emitting different colors depending on the internal halogen element. Researchers at UNIST developed a simple method to replace certain elements via solution process, allowing for the creation of red, blue, and green LEDs with high luminous efficiency.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalJoule·DateOct 10, 2018

Molecular link between body weight, early puberty identified

Scientists have identified a molecular mechanism that leads overweight female rats to experience early-onset puberty. The study found that the SIRT1 enzyme plays a crucial role in transmitting body weight information to the brain, affecting the expression of the Kiss1 gene.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 10, 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.

Risk of blindness among premature babies with low levels of blood platelets

A Swedish-US study found that premature babies with low platelet levels have a fourfold increased risk of severe retinopathy of prematurity, a condition that can cause permanent vision impairment and blindness. Injections of platelets may provide new therapeutic possibilities for treating this disease.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJCI Insight·DateOct 10, 2018

MU, MIT researchers show effectiveness of new noninvasive blood glucose test

Researchers at MU and MIT developed a noninvasive technology to monitor blood glucose levels without needles or finger pricking. The device uses Raman spectroscopy to detect glucose molecules in the skin, achieving accuracy comparable to traditional finger prick tests.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateOct 10, 2018

A break from the buzz: bees go silent during total solar eclipse

Researchers monitored bee activity during the 2017 total solar eclipse and found that bees ceased flying during totality. The study, supported by a grant from the American Astronomical Society, engaged over 400 participants in setting up acoustic monitoring stations across the US.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·DateOct 10, 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.

Reconstructing the history of mankind with the help of fecal sterols -- first test on the Maori

Researchers at Ca' Foscari University of Venice identified and dated traces of sterols in Lake Diamond and Kirkpatrick sediments, proving the presence of the Maori people. The study demonstrates a method for reconstructing human history by analyzing fecal sterols, which also shows the impact of the Maori population on the native forest.

SourceUniversità Ca' Foscari Venezia·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 10, 2018

Volcano researcher learns how Earth builds supereruption-feeding magma systems

Guilherme Gualda and his students studied magma storage-depth evolution in the Taupo Volcanic Zone. They found that magma moved closer to the surface with each successive eruption, likely preventing supereruptions. The dynamic nature of the crust allowed for frequent, smaller eruptions to occur, preventing a massive eruption.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 10, 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.

Altruism can be trained

Scientists discovered that specific mental trainings can improve prosocial behavior over several months. Affect Module, consisting of daily practices, boosted altruistic behaviors, making it a potential step towards a caring society.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 10, 2018

Satellite sees Tropical Cyclone Luban nearing Oman

Tropical Cyclone Luban continued to move through the Arabian Sea toward the coast of Oman, with a visible image provided by NOAA-20 satellite on October 10. The storm has maintained deep central convection and spiral bands wrapped tightly toward the center.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 10, 2018

The culprit of superconductivity in cuprates

Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences found that a strong chemical bond between the apical cation and oxygen in cuprate compounds impacts superconductivity temperature. This discovery sheds light on key component of complicated phenomena in cuprates, opening up new avenue for materials design.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 10, 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.

Lung cancer deaths are 28 percent lower in California

A recent study published in Cancer Prevention Research reveals that California's long-term tobacco control efforts have led to a 28% decrease in lung cancer deaths compared to the rest of the country. The state's approach has been particularly effective in discouraging young people from starting to smoke, with a 39% lower initiation ra...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateOct 10, 2018

Study identifies gene that makes gentle touch feel painful after injury

Researchers identified PIEZO2 as a gene controlling tactile allodynia, a form of pain caused by gentle touch after injury. The study found that PIEZO2 plays an essential role in the nervous system's reaction to injury and inflammation, making it a target for developing precise treatments for relieving painful skin injuries.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 10, 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.