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Science News Archive October 2018 - Page 33


Page 33 of 47

New York City area wetlands may be unwitting generator of greenhouse gasses

Untreated sewage from New York City's CSO input turns local carbon sinks into greenhouse gas producers, with methane production enhanced over 100 times and carbon dioxide by twice the rate of control group samples. The study suggests that NYC's environmental impact extends to nearby undeveloped aquatic ecosystems.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateOct 9, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Seed oils are best for LDL cholesterol

Researchers used statistical tools to analyze data from 55 studies on dietary oils and found seed oils, such as sunflower oil and flaxseed oil, perform best in improving cholesterol. However, there are caveats, including the study only measured blood lipids and may not be applicable to clinical outcomes.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateOct 9, 2018

Can the timing of pushing during delivery affect outcomes?

A randomized clinical trial examined the timing of pushing during delivery, finding no significant difference between immediate and delayed pushing in rates of natural delivery or adverse outcomes among newborns. However, rates of hemorrhage and infection were higher among women who delayed pushing.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 9, 2018

New biomarker for Alzheimer's disease found thanks to the CRISPR technique

Researchers at the Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers at the University of Extremadura have discovered a new biomarker for Alzheimer's disease of sporadic origin, protein STIM1. A deficiency in this protein has been linked to calcium ion transport abnormalities, which can lead to neurodegeneration and cell death.

SourceUniversity of Extremadura·JournalJournal of Molecular Medicine·DateOct 9, 2018

The many structures of the light-active biomolecules

Scientists have gained new insights into dynamic structural changes in light-sensitive biomolecules, revealing a universal mechanism for the transformation from dark-adapted to light-adapted states. This discovery could advance applications in agriculture and optogenetics.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalStructure·DateOct 9, 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.

Precise electron spin control yields faster memory storage

Physicists develop a new theory to predict complex dynamics of spin procession in materials subjected to ultra-short laser pulses. The approach takes into account internal spin rotation forces, making it applicable to a broader set of magnetic materials.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateOct 9, 2018

Retention in HIV care drops after release from incarceration

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that fewer than half of people with HIV are retained in care three years after release from incarceration. The study suggests that better access to health insurance and transitional case-management services may improve retention in HIV care and viral suppression.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 9, 2018

First automated malnutrition screen implemented for hospitalized children

A team of researchers has created an automated program to screen for malnutrition in hospitalized children, using existing patient data in electronic health records. The study found a high prevalence of malnutrition among pediatric oncology patients, with 42% overall and varying levels of severity.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateOct 9, 2018

Becoming promiscuous to ensure reproduction

In a study on Japanese great tits, researchers found that females became more promiscuous after failed breeding attempts, increasing the rate of extra-pair paternity by 40% in subsequent breeding attempts. This flexible behavior is thought to be an adaptive strategy to improve reproductive success.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateOct 9, 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.

Air pollution may be linked to heightened mouth cancer risk

High levels of air pollutants, especially PM2.5, may be associated with an increased risk of developing mouth cancer, according to the first study of its kind. The study found that exposure to high levels of PM2.5 was linked to a 43% heightened risk of a mouth cancer diagnosis.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine·DateOct 9, 2018

Know your enemy

Gram-negative bacteria build their outer membrane using a glycolipid called lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which can be weakened by preventing its transport. Researchers in the Kahne Lab have developed a quantitative method to monitor LPS transport rates, revealing crucial new details about its molecular mechanisms.

SourceHarvard University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 9, 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.

Scoliosis linked to essential mineral

A new study links scoliosis to the body's inability to utilize the essential dietary mineral manganese. Children with severe scoliosis are twice as likely to carry a gene variant that makes it hard for their cells to take in and use manganese, which is required for growing bones and cartilage.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 9, 2018

Carotid artery MRI improves risk assessment for cardiovascular disease

A new study using carotid artery MRI shows that measurements of wall thickness can improve cardiovascular disease risk assessment. The technique offers a more accurate predictor of cardiovascular events than ultrasound-based intima-media thickness (IMT) tests, especially for stroke risk.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateOct 9, 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.

Future breast imaging and biopsy are not eliminated after mastectomy

A new study finds that mastectomies do not completely eliminate the need for postoperative imaging and biopsy. For 10% to 15.5% of patients, subsequent imaging is required, and 6-8% undergo biopsy, with low malignancy rates.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology·DateOct 9, 2018

Asthma may contribute to childhood obesity epidemic

A USC-led study of over 20,000 European youths found that children with asthma are more likely to become obese. Asthma increases the risk of obesity by 50-66%, especially in those with persistent wheezing symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateOct 9, 2018
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Study uncovers 'sextortion' prevalence in teens

A recent study by Florida Atlantic University found that 5% of middle and high school students in the US were targeted by sextortion, while 3% admitted to being involved. Males were more likely to be victims and offenders, and non-heterosexual teens were more than twice as likely to be victims.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalSexual Abuse·DateOct 9, 2018

New options for breast cancer drug development found in estrogen receptors

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have identified a previously uncharacterized structure within the human estrogen receptor that could serve as a valuable new drug target. By disrupting this interface, drugs may be able to inhibit receptor function and prevent metastasis.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 9, 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.

Finding therapeutic targets to prevent atherosclerosis

University of Houston biologist Michihisa Umetani has discovered a protein partnership that protects blood vessels from danger. His work aims to target the Liver X Receptor (LXR) for new medicines to prevent atherosclerosis, offering a potential solution to severe side effects associated with current treatments.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateOct 9, 2018

The order of response options on online questionnaires impacts respondents' choice

Researchers found that the order of response options on online questionnaires affects respondents' choices, with people without a degree more likely to choose the first option. The study also showed that questionnaire design can impact responses, with grid designs reducing the primacy effect.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalInternational Journal of Social Research Methodology·DateOct 9, 2018

Electrons go with the flow

A team of scientists has found evidence of hydrodynamic electron flow in semimetal tungsten diphosphide, a high-purity quantum material. The discovery reveals the strongly interacting nature of electrons in these materials and suggests that the conversion of energy into thermal energy is limited by quantum mechanics.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 9, 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.

Ultrafast optical fiber-based electron gun to reveal atomic motions

Researchers have developed an ultrafast optical fiber-based electron gun to directly observe and capture atomic motions at surfaces and interfaces. The device uses low-energy electron pulses and a streak camera to achieve subpicosecond temporal resolution, revealing the transition state during chemical processes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 9, 2018

Micropeptide restores heart function in mice

Researchers discovered a micropeptide called DWORF that restores normal heart function in mice by enhancing SERCA activity and preventing calcium dysregulation. The study shows that DWORF can prevent the functional and structural effects of cardiomyopathy, making it a promising new gene therapy target for treating heart failure.

SourceeLife·DateOct 9, 2018

NASA's Aqua satellite sees Hurricane Michael strengthening

Hurricane Michael continues to strengthen with maximum sustained winds reaching near 100 mph, forecasters predict a major hurricane upon landfall in Florida. The storm's center is expected to move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico and inland over the Florida Panhandle on Wednesday.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 9, 2018

Timing of third-trimester maternal Tdap immunization associated with levels of whooping cough antibodies in newborns

A recent observational study of 626 pregnancies found that maternal Tdap immunization in the third trimester is associated with higher concentrations of pertussis antibodies in infants. Immunizing mothers earlier in the third trimester may maximize these antibody levels, but definitive immunity levels for whooping cough are unknown.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 9, 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.

Puppy-killing disease rampant in Australia

A University of Sydney study found that canine parvovirus (CPV) is more prevalent than thought, resulting in 41% euthanasia rates. The survey identified high-risk areas and suggested socioeconomic factors contribute to poor vaccination rates, leading to costly treatments.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalTransboundary and Emerging Diseases·DateOct 9, 2018

'Man', 'woman' and 'other': QUT research explores gender diversity

A growing number of Australians question traditional gender boxes, with QUT research examining biological and sociological factors associated with non-binary gender identity recognition. The study found that taller female height is a statistically-relevant factor influencing self-identification as non-binary.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateOct 9, 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.

Hook injury caused by catch-and-release hampers feeding performance in fish

A study by University of California - Riverside researchers found that mouth injuries caused by hook removal after catch-and-release fishing reduce feeding performance in suction-feeding fish, including bass, salmon, and trout. The study suggests that fishing-induced injuries impact a fish's ability to feed while the mouth is healing.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateOct 9, 2018

Trapping toxic compounds with 'molecular baskets'

New research shows promise with simulated nerve agents and potentially deadly toxins - the 'molecular baskets' can find and trap them for safe removal, paving the way for future medical applications.

SourceOhio State University·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateOct 9, 2018

Anti-psychotic drug could treat aggressive breast cancer

A commonly-used anti-psychotic drug has shown promise in treating aggressive triple negative breast cancer by inhibiting the growth and spread of cancer cells. The study found that up to 90% of cancer cells died following treatment with Pimozide, reducing tumour size and metastases.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateOct 9, 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.

OU researcher determines catalytic active sites using carbon nanotubes

Researchers have developed a novel method to determine the cause of catalytic activity in complex catalysts, enabling better control over metal support interactions. The approach utilizes vertically grown carbon nanotubes as 'hydrogen highways' to separate active sites and optimize catalyst performance.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 9, 2018

Project to enable plastics to be recycled together

A consortium led by the University of Bath aims to develop technology for chemically breaking down mixtures of plastics into their constituent molecules. This project could make a big difference in increasing plastic recycling rates, with the goal of reaching 75% in the UK by 2035.

SourceUniversity of Bath·DateOct 9, 2018

Army research lights the way for new materials

Researchers have created designer materials that can be used in various photonic applications, outperforming individual metals like gold and silver. The materials exhibit tuned optical properties, enabling lighter load and enhanced power for Soldier devices.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateOct 9, 2018

Targeting abnormal signals suggests novel method to treat a rare childhood blood disease

Researchers have devised a novel method to block abnormal biological signals driving the rare and fatal disease Fanconi anemia. Inhibiting a regulatory protein called Sh2b3/Lnk restored bone marrow cell function and improved genome integrity in animal studies, providing hope for better treatments for children with the disease.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 9, 2018

UTSA acquires microscope to write code into the brain

The University of Texas at San Antonio has acquired a two-photon holographic microscope to understand how incorrect wiring impacts brain function. This device will enable researchers to activate specific pathways in the brain and train neurons to respond to specific patterns of synaptic activity.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateOct 9, 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.

This bacterium gets paid in gold

Researchers have created a more efficient path to producing solar fuels by enticing the bacterium Moorella thermoacetica into being productive with light-absorbing gold nanoclusters. This results in a higher yield of chemical products and improved quantum efficiency compared to previous models.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 9, 2018

Immigrant, refugee youth most likely to visit the ED with a new mental health problem

A study published in CMAJ found that immigrant and refugee youth are more likely to visit emergency departments for new mental health issues, highlighting gaps in access to outpatient mental health care. The study suggests that barriers to primary care services, including language and cultural differences, contribute to this issue.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 9, 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.

New NIST method measures 3D polymer processing precisely

Researchers at NIST have developed a novel light-based technique to measure the mechanical and flow properties of materials during the curing process in real-time. This allows for fast and accurate optimization of processing conditions for various materials, from biological gels to stiff resins.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalSmall Methods·DateOct 9, 2018

Lehigh professor Panos Diplas elected ASCE fellow

Dr. Panos Diplas, a Lehigh University professor, has been elected as an ASCE Fellow for his distinguished work in civil engineering and research on river phenomena such as scour and meandering. His team's studies aim to improve bridge stability and mitigate the effects of river movement on ecosystems.

SourceLehigh University·DateOct 9, 2018

Metal leads to the desired configuration

Researchers found a way to change the spatial arrangement of bipyridine molecules on surfaces using metals, which can improve dye-sensitized solar cells. The cis configuration is formed through the addition of iron atoms and increased temperature, altering the chemical conformation.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalACS Omega·DateOct 9, 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.

HKBU scholar discovers strong evidence for links between drying climate and human evolution

African lake sedimentary cores revealed a continuous record of climate change extending back one million years, linking aridification to technological and evolutionary changes in early humans. The research suggests that climate variability drove human migration and the development of new tools, providing a selective pressure for survival.

SourceHong Kong Baptist University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 2018