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Science News Archive October 2018 - Page 35


Page 35 of 47

There's a better way to decipher DNA's epigenetic code to identify disease

Researchers at University of Pennsylvania have developed a new method to sequence epigenetic marks on DNA, allowing for more precise detection of disease earlier and with increased precision. The method uses APOBEC DNA deaminases to differentiate between two common epigenetic marks, methylation and hydroxmethylation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 8, 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.

Newly discovered bacterium rids problematic pair of toxic groundwater contaminants

Researchers at New Jersey Institute of Technology have identified a new bacterium capable of degrading both 1,4-Dioxane and 1,1-DCE simultaneously. The microbe, Azoarcus sp. DD4 (DD4), has shown impressive efficiency in reducing levels of these toxic chemicals in contaminated groundwater samples.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateOct 8, 2018

Big discoveries about tiny particles

Researchers have discovered that polymer nanoparticles exhibit distinct characteristics compared to larger particles of the same material, including surface mobility and elastic modulus. The findings could improve the performance of materials used in various applications, such as filter membranes and sound wave propagation.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 8, 2018

When yesterday's agriculture feeds today's water pollution

A study finds that phosphorus accumulation in watersheds can reach a catastrophic threshold, accelerating runoff and harming aquatic ecosystems. The researchers estimate that some watersheds could reach this point in less than a decade due to high fertilizer use rates.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 8, 2018

Magnetic map of Atlantic salmon

Nonmigratory Atlantic salmon can extract positional information from Earth's magnetic field, orienting themselves appropriately in response to different magnetic conditions. This skill may enable salmon escaping from aquaculture to better navigate and invade habitats, challenging previous assumptions about their navigational abilities

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

Time-traveling illusion tricks the brain

Caltech researchers develop two illusions to demonstrate postdiction, a phenomenon where later stimuli retroactively affect earlier perceptions. The Illusory Rabbit and Invisible Rabbit illusions show how sound can influence vision, highlighting dynamic neural processing.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 8, 2018

Lessons from Dutch geological history might be useful for other present-day deltas

Researchers found that Dutch delta plain's unique history can inform management of modern deltas, which face similar challenges like land subsidence and sea level rise. Human activities such as reclamation and agricultural expansion triggered the formation of new rivers along courses that natural branches would not have taken.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateOct 8, 2018

Out like a light: Researchers ID brain's 'sleep switch'

Scientists have discovered that a specific region of the brain, known as the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus (VLPO), plays a crucial role in regulating sleep and body temperature. Activating these cells causes a profound drive to sleep, while excessive stimulation can lead to prolonged sleep and a drop in body temperature.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 8, 2018

Study shows land-locked Atlantic salmon also use magnetic field to navigate

A new study shows that land-locked Atlantic salmon use the Earth's magnetic field as a navigational tool, similar to Pacific salmon. The ability is retained even after several generations of fish in a land-locked lake. This raises concerns about the impact on native salmon and ecosystems if these fish escape aquaculture pens.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

US researchers explore variations in employment outcomes for people with disabilities

Employment outcomes for people with disabilities vary significantly across states and counties, influenced by economic conditions, physical environment, and policy variables. Research finds that environmental factors are a strong predictor of employment rates, highlighting the importance of considering local context in policy development.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalJournal of Disability Policy Studies·DateOct 8, 2018

Approach paves way for new antimicrobial materials

Researchers at NC State have developed self-sterilizing antimicrobial materials that can inactivate bacteria and viruses using only visible-wavelength light. The new approach opens the door to a range of new products aimed at reducing the transmission of drug-resistant pathogens.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 8, 2018

Launch of the discrimination and inequality laboratory

The Universidad Carlos III de Madrid has launched the Laboratory of Discrimination and Inequality (D-Lab), aiming to advance research on discrimination and social inequality. The lab is currently working on projects such as GEMM, analyzing ethnic discrimination in employment across five European countries.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·DateOct 8, 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.

AFib patients with cancer history less likely to see cardiologist, fill prescriptions

Patients with AFib and a history of cancer are more likely to experience suboptimal antithrombotic care, leading to increased risk of stroke. Cardiology providers play a crucial role in improving outcomes for these patients, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 8, 2018

How wasp and bee stinger designs help deliver the pain

Researchers found that wasp and bee stingers are softer at the tip than at the base, allowing for easier penetration. The study also showed that the stingers are about seven times more elastic at the tip than at the base, enabling them to penetrate deep while maintaining their structure.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 8, 2018

A new method to pinpoint genetic differences between species could benefit human health

Researchers at the Buck Institute have developed a new method to pinpoint genetic differences between closely related species, which could lead to breakthroughs in understanding human longevity, disease resistance, and regenerative abilities. The technique was tested using an ancient divergence in yeast and has wide applicability to pl...

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 8, 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.

How vampire bats are supporting virus research

Researchers studying vampire bats and Morbillivirus aim to understand how viruses persist inside the body and trigger new infections. The project aims to gain fundamental insights into RNA virus persistence and potentially shed light on diseases like SSPE.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·DateOct 8, 2018

Mountain snowpack and climate warming

The study found that mountain snowpack is vulnerable to climate warming, with a 20-40% decrease in above-average snow water equivalent for 1-2°C temperature increases. Regional variations were observed, with northern regions more susceptible than southern ones, affecting water resource management and wildfire activity.

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

Immunotherapy effective against hereditary melanoma

Researchers found that immunotherapy is effective in treating metastatic melanoma in individuals with CDKN2A mutations, with nearly two-thirds of patients responding to treatment. The study suggests that tumours with CDKN2A mutations have a larger number of mutations, making them easier to recognise by the immune system.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Medical Genetics·DateOct 8, 2018

Bottom trawl-fishing footprints

Researchers estimate bottom trawl footprints on continental shelves and slopes up to 1,000m in depth. Sustainable fisheries management may provide collateral environmental benefits by reducing trawling footprints in regions meeting international benchmarks for sustainable fishing rates.

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

New knowledge about retrovirus-host coevolution

Researchers from Uppsala University have identified previously unknown retroviral insertions in European rabbits, shedding light on how ERVs spread in host populations. The study reveals substantial variation across ERV insertions in different rabbit populations, providing a genomic record of retrovirus-host associations.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Why single embryo transfer during IVF sometimes results in twins or triplets

A study analyzing over 937,000 single embryo transfer cycles found that the proportion of multiple pregnancies is 1.6% and 1.36% result from true zygotic splitting. Factors increasing the risk include frozen-thawed embryos, longer blastocyst maturation, and assisted hatching.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateOct 8, 2018

Supercharged natural killer cells may hold promise for cancer

Researchers at Imperial College London have created a genetically engineered version of a cell called an invariant natural killer T-cell (iNKT) that shows potential as a new treatment for cancer. The CAR19-iNKT eliminated all cancer cells in 60% of mice and had 90% long-term survival rates.

SourceImperial College London·JournalCancer Cell·DateOct 8, 2018

A tumor cell population responsible for resistance to therapy and tumor relapse

A study published in Nature identified a tumor cell population responsible for resistance to therapy and tumor relapse in basal cell carcinoma. The researchers found that vismodegib promotes the differentiation of tumor cells, leading to their elimination, but also reveals a dormant population of tumor cells with active Wnt signaling.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalNature·DateOct 8, 2018

Neural prostheses for the brain

Researchers, led by Dr. Nikolaus Wenger, are developing neural prostheses for brain-computer interfaces to treat neurological disorders. The goal is to understand how the brain processes information and develop a prosthesis that can transmit signals back to the nervous system.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·DateOct 8, 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.

Too much vitamin A may increase risk of bone fractures

Consuming too much vitamin A may decrease bone thickness and increase fracture risk in humans. A recent study found that mice exposed to lower doses of vitamin A equivalent to 4.5-13 times the recommended daily allowance showed significant weakening of bones over a 10-week period.

SourceSociety for Endocrinology·JournalJournal of Endocrinology·DateOct 8, 2018

Study opens route to flexible electronics made from exotic materials

Researchers create semiconducting films from materials like gallium arsenide, lithium fluoride, and silicon, with potential for low-cost, high-performance devices. The technique uses remote epitaxy and graphene, allowing for the production of flexible electronics that outperform traditional silicon-based devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 8, 2018

Genetic disease healed using genome editing

Researchers at ETH Zurich successfully heal genetic disease phenylketonuria in mice using a modified CRISPR/Cas9 system. The technique achieved a high correction rate of up to 60% and restored normal levels of phenylalanine, eliminating the disorder's symptoms.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 8, 2018

Researchers demonstrate first example of a bioelectronic medicine

Scientists at Northwestern University have created a bioelectronic medicine that uses electrical stimulation to accelerate nerve regeneration and improve muscle strength in rats. The device, made of biodegradable materials, is powered wirelessly and operates for up to two weeks before naturally absorbing into the body.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 8, 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.

Neoadjuvant combination checkpoint blockade trial yields high response rates for patients with high-risk stage three melanoma

A phase II study led by the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that neoadjuvant combination checkpoint blockade produced a high response rate among patients with high-risk stage 3 melanoma, with nearly half having no sign of disease at surgery. However, the trial was closed early due to high incidence of side effects.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 8, 2018

USC scientists create new map of brain region linked to Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at USC have created a new map of the mouse hippocampus, revealing its internal circuitry and nerve connections in vivid detail. The study aims to provide a resource for scientists to better understand the brain's memory bank and develop strategies to target neurons for treatment.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 8, 2018

Infective endocarditis increases tenfold in North Carolina

Research reveals 73% of patients with drug-associated infective endocarditis are uninsured or on Medicaid, adding significant burden on hospitals and government budgets. The median hospital charge for valve replacement surgery exceeds $251,000, with over 280 surgeries performed annually in North Carolina.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateOct 8, 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.

Fingerprint drug screen test works on the living and deceased

A new drug test developed at the University of East Anglia can detect four classes of drugs in traces of sweat found in a fingerprint. The Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Screening System enables rapid detection of amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, and opiates from a single fingerprint sample.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Analytical Toxicology·DateOct 8, 2018

New study shows promise for targeting breast cancer metastasis

A new study suggests targeting collagen XIII could suppress breast cancer metastasis by enhancing anoikis resistance in cancer cells. Researchers found that collagen XIII expression is significantly higher in cancerous human breast tissue and necessary for metastasis in mouse models.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateOct 8, 2018

Code of ethics doesn't influence decisions of software developers

A study by North Carolina State University found that the ACM code of ethics has no impact on software developers' decision-making. Researchers presented 11 ethical scenarios to 168 participants, with and without prior exposure to the code of ethics, and found no significant difference in responses.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateOct 8, 2018

The cosmological lithium problem

Researchers used the n_TOF facility to explore a neutron channel that could increase the destruction rate of Be-7 and resolve the Cosmological Lithium Problem. However, the results indicate that neutron channels alone are not enough to resolve the issue, leaving scientists with additional challenges to address.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 8, 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.

Gout drug may protect against chronic kidney disease

Researchers found that patients taking full-dose allopurinol for gout flares had a lower risk of developing Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) compared to non-users. The use of allopurinol may be beneficial in reducing kidney disease risk, contrary to previous concerns.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 8, 2018

Improving paleotemperature reconstruction: Swiss lakes as a model system

Researchers at University of Basel developed new approach to analyze microbial molecular fossils in lake sediments, providing reliable temperature estimates. The study's findings can be applied globally, offering improved predictions for future climate conditions.

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

Dopamine and belief updating

Researchers discovered that neural encoding of sensory information leading to belief updates is negatively related to dopamine receptor availability. The study also found a link between dopamine and the ability to flexibly update beliefs, with paranoid ideation being negatively related to sensitivity to meaningful sensory information.

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

Global sea level could rise 50 feet by 2300, study says

A study published in Annual Review of Environment and Resources projects that global sea levels will likely rise 6-10 inches from 2000 to 2050, but more sensitive projections beyond 2050 depend on greenhouse gas emissions and projection methods. Rising seas pose a significant threat to coastal populations and ecosystems worldwide.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAnnual Review of Environment and Resources·DateOct 8, 2018

Guided by CRISPR, prenatal gene editing used in treating congenital disease before birth

Scientists have performed prenatal gene editing in laboratory animals to prevent a lethal metabolic disorder, offering the potential to treat human congenital diseases before birth. Using CRISPR-Cas9 and base editor 3, researchers reduced cholesterol levels and improved liver function in mice with genetic mutations.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 8, 2018

Statins show little promise for conditions other than heart disease

Research suggests statins may benefit people with certain non-heart diseases, such as kidney disease and cancer progression, but the evidence is inconclusive. The study found a modest link between statin use and diabetes, highlighting the importance of lifestyle advice for patients at risk.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 8, 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.

Columbia engineers build smallest integrated Kerr frequency comb generator

Researchers developed a low-power chip that integrates lasers and frequency combs for the first time, enabling ultrafast processes in physics, biology and chemistry. The device can be powered by an AAA battery, opening up new possibilities for portable devices.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature·DateOct 8, 2018

Mayo clinic researchers question benefits of long term oxygen therapy in COPD

A recent study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that long-term oxygen therapy does not decrease hospitalization risk or increase life expectancy for many patients with mild to moderate COPD. However, it may lower quality of life due to its significant costs and practical challenges.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateOct 8, 2018

Monitoring the air pollution in China from geostationary satellites is explored

A recent study explores the feasibility of measuring atmospheric pollutants in China using geostationatory satellites. The research recommends suitable sensor parameters for improved retrieval sensitivity and reduced errors, paving the way for more accurate monitoring and control of air pollution.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateOct 8, 2018

Expanding fungal diversity, one cell at a time

Researchers have developed a single-cell genomics approach to explore unknown fungal diversity, revealing essential metabolism genes and insights into phylogenetic position. The study successfully reconstructed near-complete fungal genomes from environmental samples, shedding light on the cryptic biology of unculturable species.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Microbiology·DateOct 8, 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.

Hyperspectral imaging helps conservation of outdoor bronze statue by Auguste Rodin

Researchers used hyperspectral imaging to analyze a bronze statue by Auguste Rodin, detecting corrosion products brochantite and antlerite. The technique revealed non-uniform distribution of the compounds, which could be missed with traditional sampling methods, providing valuable information for preservation.

SourceIM Publications Open LLP·JournalJournal of Spectral Imaging·DateOct 8, 2018

Scientists suggested an eco-friendly way of obtaining highly active catalysts

Scientists at Sechenov University developed an eco-friendly way to obtain highly active catalysts using supercritical CO2. The new method produced metal-polymeric catalysts with high activity in hydrogenation reactions, offering a safer and cheaper alternative to traditional organic solvents.

SourceSechenov University·JournalThe Journal of Supercritical Fluids·DateOct 8, 2018

Recalling memories in context

Studies using 64 and 28 participants revealed that recalling a target memory enhances retention of both the target and a linked object, with neural activity reinstated in parietal lobe regions. This suggests that retrieval may be an efficient method for memory enhancement.

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