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Science News Archive October 2018 - Page 6


Page 6 of 47

Nickel-hydrogen battery

The nickel-hydrogen battery boasts an energy density of approximately 140 Wh per kg and rechargeability over 1,500 cycles. With a potential cost of around $83 per kilowatt-hour, it could represent a low-cost option for long-term energy storage needs.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2018

Finally, a robust fuel cell that runs on methane at practical temperatures

A new fuel cell developed by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers can run on cheap methane fuel at lower temperatures, making it more affordable and practical. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of decentralized, cleaner, and cheaper electrical power grids, potentially powering homes and businesses.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Energy·DateOct 29, 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.

Home monitoring confirms clinic diagnosis of high blood pressure

A new study by the American Heart Association confirms that home blood pressure monitoring can diagnose high blood pressure in US adults. The research found that readings of 130/80 mmHg or higher taken at home are consistent with clinic measurements, providing a reliable method for identifying hypertension.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateOct 29, 2018

New evidence of durable immune response to 3 experimental Ebola vaccines helps drive new wave of vaccine development targeting a number of diseases with epidemic potential

Three experimental Ebola vaccines showed persistent immunity for at least two and a half years, driving new vaccine development against diseases like Lassa fever, Nipah virus disease, and MERS-CoV. The study's findings have implications far beyond the Ebola fight, providing insights that could expedite vaccine development.

SourceBurness·DateOct 29, 2018

Crystals that clean natural gas

Researchers at KAUST developed a metal-organic framework that selectively adsorbs hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide from natural gas, making it cleaner-burning and more environmentally friendly. The technology could also promote increased use of natural gas worldwide, potentially yielding large environmental and economic benefits.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Energy·DateOct 29, 2018

Peer support can help curb acute care for persons with depression and diabetes

A new study published in Diabetes Care shows that community health workers and peer support can help individuals with diabetes manage their condition, reducing hospitalizations and emergency room visits. The intervention also improved self-management behaviors, diet, physical activity, medication adherence, and stress management.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalDiabetes Care·DateOct 29, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New techniques allow medicine to see the whole again

Researchers developed a new approach to measure the resilience of humans and animals using data from wearable sensors. The Dynamic Indicators of Resilience (DIORs) can detect risks of health collapse and collapse of system components, such as mood and posture, allowing for early detection and intervention.

SourceWageningen University and Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2018

Chimpanzees react faster to cooperate than make selfish choices

A recent study by researchers at the University of Michigan found that chimpanzees tend to make prosocial choices faster than selfish ones. In tasks assessing cooperation and self-control, chimpanzees were more likely to pick the option benefiting others if they made a quick decision.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 29, 2018

Cephalopods could become an important food source in the global community

A study published in Frontiers in Communication suggests that cephalopods, including squid, octopus, and cuttlefish, could be an important source of protein for the global community. With their growing population and high nutritional value, cephalopods offer a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalFrontiers in Communication·DateOct 29, 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.

Study sheds light on why a warmer world may equal a wetter Arctic

A new study suggests that a warmer world may equal a wetter Arctic, driven by two climatic processes: melting sea ice and increasing global humidity. Researchers analyzed lakebed mud dating back thousands of years to uncover clues about the region's past climate.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 29, 2018

Plant-based 'road salt' good for highways but not for insects

A study found that beet juice deicer causes fluid retention and alters organ function in mayflies, despite being considered a natural alternative to road salt. The researchers suggest that more research is needed to determine the combination of factors causing problems.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateOct 29, 2018

RNA-protein network may explain why melanoma grows more

A new study reveals that a specific long non-coding RNA named SAMMSON interacts with protein CARF in growing melanoma cells, rewiring their protein synthesis networks and promoting cell growth. This interaction helps melanoma cells avoid inducing cell death when they experience abnormalities in ribosome synthesis.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateOct 29, 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.

IRL rich people don't live that much longer than the poor

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen found that income mobility reduces life expectancy gap between rich and poor. Accounting for social mobility, the difference in life expectancy is around 2-3 years, not 5-6 years as previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2018

Why people have lateral preferences when kissing and hugging

Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum found that people's lateral preferences for kissing and hugging are influenced by both handedness and emotional context. In emotional situations, the preference shifts towards the right side of the body.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNeuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews·DateOct 29, 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.

CiViQ brings quantum technologies to the telecommunications arena

The CiViQ project aims to develop flexible and low-cost quantum key distribution (QKD) systems that can be integrated into emerging telecommunication infrastructures. The project will also put forward novel quantum cryptography systems and protocols to offer accessible innovative services to individuals, industries, and institutions.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·DateOct 29, 2018

Photosynthesis like a moss

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered a unique structure of photosystem I in the moss Physcomitrella patens, which is different from other types of plants. This finding may help understand plant terrestrialization and develop artificial photosynthesis.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Plants·DateOct 29, 2018

FEFU astrophysicists studied asteroid 3200 Phaethon

Astrophysicists from Far Eastern Federal University studied the linear polarization of sunlight scattered by asteroid Phaethon, applying the Umov effect to its research. They discovered a correlation between reflectivity and polarization, shedding light on this phenomenon in small Solar System bodies.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateOct 29, 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.

Sniffer dogs could detect malaria in people

Researchers found that sniffer dogs could scent malaria in samples of socks worn by infected children, with an accuracy rate of 70% for malaria-infected samples. The trained dogs could distinguish between the scent of malaria parasites and uninfected individuals, providing a non-invasive way to screen for the disease at ports of entry.

SourceDurham University·DateOct 29, 2018

Biologists discover source for boosting tumor cell drug sensitivity

Biologists at UC San Diego have discovered a human gene that inhibits HIV and makes tumor cells sensitive to DNA-damaging agents. The researchers found that the Schlafen 11 protein blocks the synthesis of viral proteins, allowing tumor cells to survive.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateOct 29, 2018

Hidden costs of disease to greater Yellowstone elk

Researchers at Utah State University found that brucellosis causes a substantial decline in the probability of pregnancy among young adult elk. The disease has previously hidden consequences for the wild elk population, highlighting the need to quantify its effects on reproduction.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateOct 29, 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.

Trapping atoms, not space ships, with tractor beams

University of Adelaide researchers have created a powerful tractor beam that traps atoms in a microscopic hole at the center of an optical fiber. This breakthrough opens up new opportunities for quantum experiments and secure communications.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateOct 29, 2018

Human activity and calcite dissolution at the seafloor

Researchers estimate anthropogenic CO2's impact on deep-sea sediments and calcite dissolution. Localized hot spots, particularly in the western North Atlantic, show significant human-induced changes in seafloor geological records.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2018

Drugs' side effects in lungs 'more widespread than thought'

A systematic review of 6,200 patients' data found that up to 12.4 million cases of drug-induced interstitial lung disease (DIILD) occur annually worldwide, accounting for 3-5% of all interstitial lung disease cases. Steroids were the most commonly used medication to treat DIILD, but no studies examined their effects on outcome.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Clinical Medicine·DateOct 29, 2018

Environmental DNA tracks species distribution

Researchers reconstructed species distribution using environmental DNA signals from stationary organisms and their parasites in rivers. Environmental DNA may be a tool for monitoring biodiversity in river networks.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 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.

UC psychologists devise free test for measuring intelligence

Researchers at UC Riverside and UC Irvine created a free, 10-minute test to measure abstract problem-solving ability. The University of California Matrix Reasoning Task (UCMRT) correlates with academic proficiency and fluid intelligence.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBehavior Research Methods·DateOct 29, 2018

A billion Euros for quantum research

Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute will receive funding for projects developing quantum technologies with applications in secure communication, supercomputing, and precision measurements. The EU's Flagship program aims to create a 'quantum internet' with unbreakable communication.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·DateOct 29, 2018

Mass shootings may trigger unnecessary blood donations

A recent study analyzed the impact of mass shootings on blood supply and demand for blood products. The research found that a call for immediate blood donation was unnecessary and resulted in wasted blood resources. The study suggests that cities develop protocols for mass casualty events, such as issuing calls for donations by ZIP code.

SourceNorthwestern Memorial HealthCare·JournalJournal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery·DateOct 29, 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.

Engineering a model of mitochondrial evolution

Scientists create a yeast mutant with deficient mitochondria and an E. coli bacterium with the necessary enzymes to form a symbiotic relationship, allowing the chimera to persist for over 40 generations. This model provides insight into the origins of mitochondrial endosymbiosis and can be used to explore further mechanisms.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2018

Mycoplasma genitalium's cell adhesion mechanism revealed

Researchers have discovered the mechanism by which Mycoplasma genitalium adheres to human cells, a crucial step in bacterial infection and disease development. The study reveals the three-dimensional structure of the P110 adhesin protein interacting with sialic acids on human cell surfaces.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 2018

Breast milk, formula nurture similarities, differences in gut microbes

A new study found that while formula and breast milk encourage similar bacteria growth in infants' digestive tracts, the bacteria work differently. Breastfed babies' microbiomes compensate for protein levels by increasing amino acid synthesis, whereas formula-fed babies produce a distinct set of amino acids.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 29, 2018

Cancer's most deadly assassin exists in every cell

A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals a 'kill code' embedded in every cell that can trigger the self-destruction of cancerous cells. The toxic small RNA molecules can also be triggered by chemotherapy, offering a potential bulletproof treatment against cancer.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 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.

Secrets of mighty cancer killing virus unlocked by Otago researchers

Researchers have used high-resolution electron microscopy to reveal how an anti-cancer virus interacts with tumor cells, increasing its potential. The Seneca Valley Virus selectively targets a receptor found in over 60% of human cancers, offering a promising approach for cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2018

Virus production boosted in cells to generate more vectors for gene transfer

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University developed a method to increase lentiviral particle production, enabling safe and efficient gene introduction into cells. The discovery utilizes the SPSB1 protein to activate transcription factors, leading to up to 12-fold boosted virus production.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 29, 2018

Alterations to seabed raise fears for future

The ocean floor is dissolving rapidly as a result of human activity, with calcite formation being neutralized by acidic CO2. Researchers predict that this process will intensify in the future, leading to long-lasting repercussions on marine ecosystems.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Consequences-focused cognitive training may promote healthier habits

A series of studies suggests that showing people the consequences of their unhealthy behaviors may be more effective than retraining mental associations. Participants who had a health-related goal internalized the relationship between foods and consequences, leading to positive automatic evaluations and actual eating behavior changes.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 29, 2018

New study: reduced screen time for young highly recommended for well-being

A new study by San Diego State University psychologists found that more hours of screen time are linked to lower well-being in children aged 2-17, with associations larger for adolescents. The study suggests reducing screen time limits to promote mental health and prevent anxiety and depression.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalPreventive Medicine Reports·DateOct 29, 2018

Illinois study provides whole-system view of plant cold stress

A recent Illinois study provides a global view of plant cold stress by examining the entire collection of genes, metabolites, pathways, and reactions. This approach identifies significant metabolites associated with important traits and offers a step forward in metabolic profiling techniques.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateOct 29, 2018

Robotic arm may help to rehabilitate chronic stroke victims, finds new study

A new study published in Frontiers in Neurology found that robotic arm rehabilitation can promote speech and language function recovery in chronic stroke patients with aphasia. The research team observed small but consistent improvement on measures assessing speech articulation and overall language processing.

SourceNew York University·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·DateOct 29, 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.

Our microbes are starving, and that's a good thing

Research suggests that human hosts are starving their microbial communities of nutrients, potentially undermining the benefits of the microbiome. This could lead to a shift in the balance of power between humans and microbes, with implications for our health and well-being.

SourceDuke University·DateOct 29, 2018

Lights, sounds paired with winning encourages risk-taking

A laboratory study of over 100 healthy adults found that pairing larger wins with sensory cues increased participants' preference for high-risk decisions. The researchers also observed greater pupil dilation in subjects who were more aroused when winning outcomes were paired with sensory cues.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateOct 29, 2018

Study reveals how soil bacteria are primed to consume greenhouse gas

Researchers discovered that soil bacteria hedge their bets by maintaining systems for nitrous oxide destruction in low oxygen environments. This 'bet-hedging strategy' may be widespread and can help control nitrous oxide emissions, a potent climate-active gas.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2018

Researchers to study binge eating disorder treatment in veterans

A University of California San Diego School of Medicine team will investigate a novel treatment model called Regulation of Cues (ROC) to tackle binge eating disorder and obesity in military personnel. ROC targets underlying mechanisms associated with binge eating, aiming to reduce weight and obesity.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateOct 29, 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.

Donor hearts at increased disease risk offer better survival rates for transplant recipients

Researchers found that accepting an organ from a donor at higher risk of disease transmission offers a higher one-year survival rate for candidates on the heart transplant list. Patients who decline such offers may wait longer or become too ill to undergo the procedure, resulting in higher mortality rates.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 29, 2018