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Science News Archive September 2018


Page 11 of 37

New study estimates the caregiving costs for families

A new study estimated the costs of informal care provided by daughters to their mothers, finding that these costs are similar to those associated with full-time institutional care. The study also highlighted the impact of memory-related diseases on caregiving costs and experience.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Checklist helps assess early feeding skills in premature infants

A new study evaluates the Early Feeding Skills (EFS) checklist as a valid and reliable tool for assessing the emergence of feeding skills in preterm infants. The EFS provides a comprehensive assessment of oral feeding skills, including respiratory regulation, swallowing coordination, and staying engaged with feeding.

Scientists discovered 20 new gnat species in Brazil

Scientists have identified 20 new gnat species in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, shedding light on the region's rich biodiversity. The discovery highlights the importance of this ecosystem in hosting endemic species.

AFib linked to family history in blacks, Latinos

Researchers have identified a genetic predisposition to early-onset atrial fibrillation in black and Latino populations. A large registry of patients found that there is a significant family history of AFib in these groups, particularly among younger patients.

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.

Light pollution makes fish more courageous

Exposure to artificial light at night increases fish's willingness to take risks, emerging quicker from hiding places and swimming in riskier areas. However, it does not affect their social behavior or swimming speed.

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.

Outbreak of preventable eye infection in contact lens wearers

A new outbreak of Acanthamoeba keratitis has been identified in contact lens wearers, with a threefold increase in cases since 2011. Poor hygiene, contaminated water, and improper use of contact lenses are linked to the risk of developing the disease.

Advancing life sciences research with the internet of things

A new SLAS Technology special issue showcases life sciences researchers who are using IoT technologies to optimize laboratory systems. The articles explore various applications of IoT in laboratories, including end-to-end sample tracking, automation, and instrument design.

New robot picks a peck of peppers and more

The SWEEPER robot, developed by an international research consortium, can harvest ripe fruit in 24 seconds with a success rate of 62 percent. Additional research is needed to increase work speed and reach higher harvest success rates.

New nanotherapy offers hope in treating drug-resistant renal cell carcinoma

Researchers at Wayne State University have developed a nanoplatform technology that works in combination with existing chemotherapeutic drugs to reverse drug-resistance in renal cell carcinoma. The technology uses tumor hypoxia-directed nanoparticles to target the root cause of the problem and has shown promising results in animal trials.

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.

Brown researchers teach computers to see optical illusions

Researchers developed a neural-network model that perceives contextual optical illusions like humans, advancing knowledge of human visual system. The model includes feedback connections between neurons, which improve artificial vision by addressing context-dependent weaknesses.

EACS issues position paper to improve cancer research and care

The European Academy of Cancer Sciences (EACS) has issued a position paper to improve cancer research and care in Europe. The paper emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts between researchers, healthcare systems, and policymakers to decrease cancer incidence and increase cure rates.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Eight of 10 people with cancer risk genes don't know it

A study of 50,000 people found that over 80% of those with identifiable genetic risk for breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancer are unaware they carry the gene. The findings highlight the need for effective DNA-based screening to identify high-risk individuals before a cancer diagnosis.

Proof-of-concept HIV immunotherapy study passes Phase 1 safety trial

A new HIV immunotherapy study has demonstrated the safety and tolerability of a cell therapy approach involving ex vivo expansion of T cells. The study found that the treatment was well-tolerated with few adverse events, although no significant enhancement of the magnitude of the HIV-specific immune response was observed.

Researchers explore how changes in diet alter microbiome in artificial intestine

A recent study used an artificial intestine to investigate how changes in diet affect the microbiome. The research found that a switch from a western diet to one composed exclusively of dietary fats led to increased populations of fatty-acid metabolizing bacteria and decreased production of short chain fatty acids, which are compounds ...

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.

Combining multiple CCTV images could help catch suspects

Researchers developed an image averaging method to enhance low-quality CCTV footage, significantly improving human and computer facial recognition accuracy. The technique allows for a standardized way to create digital snapshots from multiple camera angles, aiding law enforcement in suspect identification.

Genomic study brings us closer to precision medicine for type 2 diabetes

A new genomic study reveals five distinct groups of DNA sites driving unique forms of type 2 diabetes, with potential implications for personalized treatment approaches. The research identifies subtypes based on genetics and physiology, which could help physicians tailor interventions to individual patients.

Breast milk may be best for premature babies' brain development

A recent study published in NeuroImage found that breast milk is associated with improved brain connectivity in premature babies. The research, conducted by the University of Edinburgh, suggests that exclusive breastfeeding for at least three-quarters of hospital days can lead to better long-term outcomes for pre-term infants.

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.

Lyme disease: A study on the speed of transmission by infected ticks

Lyme borreliosis is a vector-borne disease in Europe caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. A recent study found that infection can occur within 24 hours of an adult tick bite and as soon as 12 hours for nymph bites, highlighting the importance of prompt removal of infected ticks.

Spray-on antennas could unlock potential of smart, connected technology

Drexel researchers have developed a breakthrough method to create invisibly thin antennas using MXene material, which can be sprayed on flexible surfaces like fabrics or electronics. The new technology has the potential to enable seamless integration of antennas with smart devices and the Internet of Things.

How will changes in snowpack affect water rights in arid western US?

A team of researchers from five institutions will study the effects of changing mountain snowpack on water availability, agricultural risks, and economic impacts. The project aims to inform policymakers and farmers about adapting to fluctuating water availability and creating more resilient food systems.

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.

NASA sees areas of strength in Tropical Storm Trami

Tropical Storm Trami is expected to intensify through Saturday, bringing powerful storms with cloud tops as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit. A flash flood watch has been issued for Guam and the northern Marianas due to heavy showers and thunderstorms associated with the storm.

Latest research hints at predicting autism risk for pregnant mothers

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a physiological test to predict autism risk in pregnant mothers. The study found that differences in plasma metabolites indicate an increased risk of having a child with ASD, with a relative risk of 18.7 percent vs 1.7 percent.

USD 2.7 million to fight Clostridium difficile diarrhea

A new research project, backed by the Innovation Fund Denmark, aims to standardize fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) treatment for Clostridium difficile diarrhea. The project will develop a secure feces bank and screen future feces donors to ensure high safety and effectiveness.

Synthetic organelle shows how tiny puddle-organs in our cells work

A synthetic organelle created in a lab modelled membraneless organelles found to drive efficient sugar processing by balancing substrate and enzyme interactions. Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology used this setup to explore cellular biochemistry, discovering unexpected nuances in organelle chemistry.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

A behavioral intervention for cancer patients that works

Researchers found that a program designed to reduce stress in cancer patients can be taught to therapists across the country and effectively improves mood. The study involved 15 sites and 158 patients with various types of cancer, showing significant improvement on measures of mood and physical activity.

Black women more likely to skip crucial breast cancer treatments

A new study reveals that black women are more likely to skip hormone therapy treatments for breast cancer, with barriers including cost, side effects, and difficulty adhering to treatment plans. The study highlights the need for culturally competent behavioral interventions to improve outcomes for all women with breast cancer.

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.

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.

Scientists reveal the hidden costs of cobalt mining in DR Congo

A new study by KU Leuven reveals the hidden costs of cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including high levels of cobalt in children's urine and increased DNA damage. The research highlights the need for sustainable cobalt mining practices to mitigate environmental and health impacts.

Reducing false positives in credit card fraud detection

A new MIT model has been developed to reduce false positives in credit card fraud detection, achieving a 54% reduction in incorrect flagging of legitimate transactions. By extracting more than 200 detailed features for each individual transaction, the model can better pinpoint unusual spending habits and improve accuracy.

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.

Can a common heart condition cause sudden death?

Researchers developed a microtissue model of the heart to study how environmental stress affects normal and abnormal heart tissue. The study found that mutant cells contracted abnormally and arrhythmically under stress, similar to HCM patients.

Spray coated tactile sensor on a 3D surface for robotic skin

A KAIST research team has reported a stretchable pressure insensitive strain sensor by using an all solution-based process. The new electronic skin can distinguish mechanical stimuli analogous to human skin and can be uniformly coated on 3-dimensional surfaces.

What makes a mammal a mammal? Our spine, say scientists

A new study led by Harvard University researchers finds that mammal spines have gained new regions during evolution, which enabled them to adapt to different environments. The research challenges the long-held idea that mammal-specific characteristics emerged from a single ancestral blueprint.

American girls read and write better than boys

Research by American Psychological Association reveals that girls exhibit better reading and writing ability than boys as early as the fourth grade. The achievement gap widens further with age, particularly for writing tasks. Experts attribute this to factors such as peer pressure, learning disabilities, and differences in brain function.

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.