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Science News Archive October 2018 - Page 34


Page 34 of 47

Researchers discover new type of stellar collision

An international team of astrophysicists has identified the first-ever merger of white and brown dwarf stars, with the debris left behind exhibiting unusual chemical compositions and organic molecules. The discovery sheds new light on the origin of a mysterious star observed by French monk Père Dom Anthelme in 1670.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 9, 2018

Micro-/nano architectures in MOF membrane accelerate oil-water separation

Researchers have developed a MOF membrane with micro/nano architectures that accelerates oil-water separation with high efficiency. The membrane exhibits excellent separation efficiency over 99.99% for various oil-water mixtures, with a remarkable water flux of up to 102000 L/m2h.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateOct 9, 2018

'10,000 Immunomes' database opens a window on healthy immunity

Scientists have assembled a searchable database of normal human immunity, using 83 studies to create a comparison group for immune system and immune dysfunction research. The data reveals new findings on the differences in immune cells between men and women, as well as between people of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 9, 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.

More young people are choosing not to drink alcohol

A new study found that more young people in England are choosing not to drink alcohol, with a rise in non-drinkers among 16-24 year olds. The trend is attributed to an increase in individuals who had never been drinkers, as well as decreases in excessive drinking and binge drinking.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateOct 9, 2018

A pheromone-sensing gene that predates land-dwelling vertebrates

A newly identified gene, ancV1R, is found to be conserved across fish and mammals, suggesting an ancient origin for pheromone sensing. The discovery opens new avenues of research into the evolution and function of pheromone signaling in vertebrates.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateOct 9, 2018

Quantum momentum

The University of Delaware is leading the charge in quantum technology research with a $1 million NSF grant. The team aims to develop quantum electronics that can process information faster and with greater accuracy, enabling next-generation technologies for communication, computing, and sensing.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·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.

'Sentinels of the sea' at risk from changing climate

A new study finds that oyster mortality in the French Atlantic coast is linked to warm and wet winters, and the positive phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation. Oysters are sensitive to climate change and water quality, making them sentinels of coastal ecosystem health.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 9, 2018

Louisiana amphibian shows unique resistance to global disease

The three-toed amphiuma, a common species in Louisiana, has shown resistance to the fungus causing amphibian populations to decline worldwide. Researchers discovered compounds that inhibited fungal growth, highlighting its unique properties and potential for protection against chytridiomycosis.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·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.

Increased cyto-adhesion of malaria parasites during fever uncovered

Research reveals that malaria parasites exhibit elevated cyto-adhesion during fever, which contributes to microvasculature obstruction and splenic clearance issues. The study found a significant increase in phosphatidylserine expression on infected red blood cells at febrile temperatures.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 9, 2018

Intense microwave pulse ionizes its own channel through plasma

Researchers have successfully observed and studied the ionization-induced self-channeling of a microwave beam in a neutral gas. This effect enables the microwave to propagate a longer distance, potentially leading to military applications as a directed-energy weapon.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateOct 9, 2018

Aluminum on the way to titanium strength

Researchers at NUST MISIS have developed a technology that doubles the strength of aluminum composites obtained by 3D printing, advancing them to titanium alloy quality. The new composite uses nitrides and aluminum oxides as precursors, increasing tensile strength and Brinell hardness.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalSustainable Materials and Technologies·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.

Researchers pinpoint ideal protein to help seniors rebuild lost muscle

A new study from McMaster University reveals that whey protein is the most effective protein source for seniors to rebuild lost muscle, with minimal impact on lean muscle loss. In contrast, collagen peptides showed no benefits in mitigating muscle loss.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 9, 2018

World's first trial of new three-part children's cancer treatment

A groundbreaking Phase 1 trial at the University of Southampton combines mIBG-targeted radiotherapy with two antibody therapies to boost the immune system against neuroblastoma, a common childhood cancer. The treatment aims to improve survival rates and is the first to test this combination of therapies.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·DateOct 9, 2018

Leveraging restaurant menus to combat obesity

A new study found that listing calorie information on restaurant menus can lead to a significant decrease in the number of calories ordered. Participants who saw calorie counts listed first ordered food with an average of 24 percent fewer calories than those who saw them listed elsewhere.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·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.

Neuron death in ALS more complex than previously thought

Researchers have discovered that two types of motor neurons die in ALS patients through distinct mechanisms, potentially leading to the development of more targeted treatments. The study used worm models to investigate the degeneration of spinal and brain neurons in ALS, revealing new insights into the complex nature of the disease.

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 9, 2018

Grant to expand free STEM textbook project

A $4.9 million grant will expand the LibreTexts project, a national consortium producing free and open-source educational science and technology resources. The expanded project aims to create zero-textbook-cost options for key subjects like chemistry and career training.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateOct 9, 2018

'Smart' robotic system could offer home-based rehabilitation

A smart robotic system is being developed to help stroke patients recover from injuries, using brain-computer interfaces and algorithms to decode movement intent. The system, backed by a $750,000 grant, aims to be approved for use in clinics and patient homes, promoting plasticity in the brain and restoration of motor function.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateOct 9, 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.

Seizures begin with a muffle

Contrary to conventional wisdom, some seizures begin after a brief burst from neurons that normally inhibit brain activity. Researchers found this unexpected mechanism in their study.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·DateOct 9, 2018

In childbirth, when to begin pushing does not affect C-section rates

A multicenter study involving over 2,400 first-time pregnant women found that delaying pushing during labor increases the risk of severe postpartum bleeding, infections, and sepsis. In contrast, immediate pushing is associated with lower rates of infection and excessive bleeding.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateOct 9, 2018

Unseen infections harming world's children, research reveals

Children in low-resource countries are suffering from unnoticed infections that are stunting their growth and mental development, with lifelong consequences. Up to 30% of these children are carrying harmful infections that prevent them from reaching their full potential.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateOct 9, 2018

Crosstalk between fallopian tube, ovary may drive the spread of ovarian cancer

Researchers found that cancer cells from the fallopian tube affect ovary's chemical signaling, leading to increased norepinephrine levels, which drive cancer cell migration. This study highlights the importance of understanding chemistry in ovarian cancer development and treatment protocols.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalACS Central Science·DateOct 9, 2018

Abrikosov vortices help scientists explain inconsistencies in 'dirty' superconductors theory

Researchers found that 'very dirty' superconductors exhibit abnormal behavior, violating the conventional theory of superconductivity. They discovered a power-law dependence between critical current density and magnetic field strength, allowing for a new understanding of Abrikosov vortices thermal fluctuations.

SourceAKSON Russian Science Communication Association·JournalNature Physics·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.

NASA checks out Hurricane Sergio's cloud temperature

NASA's Aqua satellite observed Hurricane Sergio with infrared light, revealing warmer cloud top temperatures on the western half of the storm. This indicates weakening of the storm's uplift, but a well-defined inner-core remains despite slow weakening.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 9, 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.

Downward mobility link to violent crime and self-harm

A major new study finds that children from families who fall on hard times are more likely to be involved in violent crime and harm themselves as young adults. Children from the poorest fifth of society were 7-13 times more likely to commit violent crime or self-harm compared to those from wealthier backgrounds.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateOct 9, 2018

Award winners named for the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium

Three leading researchers, Ian Smith, Ann Partridge, and Zena Werb, receive top honors for their groundbreaking work on breast cancer treatment and research. Their contributions have propelled advances in breast cancer science and medicine, saving countless lives from the disease.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateOct 9, 2018

A NASA infrared view at Arabian Sea's Tropical Cyclone Luban

Scientists analyzed data from NASA's Aqua satellite to determine if Tropical Cyclone Luban was intensifying or weakening. The storm showed cold cloud top temperatures as low as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong winds and a powerful system.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·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.

Statistical method recreates the history of a long-abandoned village

Archaeologists used Bayesian statistics to integrate multiple clues from medieval village remnants, revealing the site's Chalcolithic and Late Roman periods. The study provides new tools for studying medieval village development and transformation of historical landscapes.

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

Study firms up diet and depression link

A James Cook University study found a strong link between fast food consumption and depression among Torres Strait Islander people. The researchers discovered that those who ate more processed foods had higher levels of depression-linked fatty acids in their blood.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalNutritional Neuroscience·DateOct 9, 2018

NASA gets Tropical Storm Leslie by the tail

Tropical Storm Leslie is expected to strengthen and potentially merge with an elongated area of low pressure. The storm has become more embedded within its cold cloud tops, indicating further strengthening.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 9, 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.

BU graduate student receives health policy research scholarship

BU PhD student Michael Rosario has received a four-year Health Policy Research Scholarship to study the impact of racial discrimination on brain changes associated with early Alzheimer's disease. The research aims to generate important hypotheses about the role of racial discrimination in inducing such changes.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateOct 9, 2018

Wind holds key to climate change turnaround

Scientists have discovered that westerly winds strengthen ocean acidification in Southern Ocean, which is critical for predicting its impact on marine life. The study sheds light on the mechanisms driving this process and provides insights into improving prediction models.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 9, 2018

NASA investigated rainfall in Hurricane Michael as it was developing

NASA analyzed rainfall and structure of Hurricane Michael as it developed, forecasting a major hurricane for Florida landfall. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission revealed intense rainfall accumulation totals over the Caribbean Sea, with estimates reaching 12.6 inches in some areas.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 9, 2018

OU's radar team developing fastest, most advanced radar in the nation

The University of Oklahoma is developing the fastest and most advanced radar in the nation with a $3.4 million grant. The HORUS radar can scan the atmosphere in 30 seconds or less and distinguish between snowflakes, raindrops, hail stones or other targets within a storm, critical for forecasting and prediction.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateOct 9, 2018

Clean Water Act dramatically cut pollution in US waterways

A comprehensive study found significant improvements in US water quality since the 1972 Clean Water Act took effect. However, recent economic analyses estimate that the costs of the legislation consistently outweigh its benefits.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 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.

CDC researchers examine HIV-related stigma among US healthcare providers

A systematic review by CDC researchers found that HIV-related stigma varies by gender, race, provider category, and clinical setting. Inadvertent behaviors and beliefs, such as homophobia and negative views of people who inject drugs, can create barriers to HIV prevention and treatment.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAIDS Patient Care and STDs·DateOct 9, 2018

Genetic risk factor for erectile dysfunction identified

A new study analyzing the genomes of nearly a quarter of a million men discovered a single-nucleotide polymorphism on Chromosome 6 linked to an increased risk of erectile dysfunction. The genetic locus was consistently associated with ED risk across ethnically diverse groups, suggesting a novel mechanism specific to sexual function.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2018

Drier, less predictable environment may have spurred human evolution

Researchers found evidence of a variable but progressively drying climate coincides with a major shift in stone-tool-making abilities and the appearance of modern Homo sapiens. A continuous environmental context was provided for the diverse archeological evidence recovered from nearby localities in the rift valley basins of southern Ke...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2018

Salted fish in Maya economy

The study found that a majority of ancient Maya chert stone tools showed wear patterns consistent with fish preparation, indicating preserved fish was an important component of their trade economy. The researchers estimated that each salt kitchen could provide dietary salt for up to 3,444 people per day if used for fish preservation.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2018

Controlling chemical reactions near absolute zero

Researchers at EPFL have successfully controlled a chemical reaction just above absolute zero by manipulating atomic orientation and energies. The study has significant implications for understanding fundamental chemistry models.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Chemistry·DateOct 8, 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.

A step towards biological warfare with insects?

Scientists and legal scholars warn that DARPA's Insect Allies program could be misused for biological warfare due to the ease of dispersing genetically edited viruses into fields. The technology has the potential to rapidly alter crop properties, raising concerns about its peaceful use.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateOct 8, 2018

African aridification and hominin evolution

Researchers analyzed Lake Magadi sedimentary cores, showing a long-term drying trend starting around 575,000 years ago. This period of aridification coincided with extinctions of large grazing mammals and the appearance of Middle Stone Age artifacts.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2018

Life is like a box of hippocampal scenes

A neuroimaging study found that the hippocampus responds strongest to event boundaries in everyday experiences, such as films. The researchers discovered a strong match between participants' hippocampal activity and independent observers' identified transition points, varying according to their agreement on these points.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateOct 8, 2018

Icy warning for space missions to Jupiter's moon

Scientists predict 15-meter-tall sharp ice formations on Europa's surface could pose a hazard for future landing missions. The unique conditions on the moon create perfect conditions for these structures to form, which could be observed by NASA's upcoming Europa Clipper mission.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 8, 2018

Implantable, biodegradable devices speed nerve regeneration in rats

Researchers developed an implantable device that delivers electrical pulses to damaged peripheral nerves in rats, promoting nerve regeneration and recovery. The device lasts about two weeks before being absorbed into the body, providing a continuous boost to the healing process.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 8, 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.