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Science News Archive September 2018


Page 6 of 37

Understanding antibiotic resistance in patients with cystic fibrosis

Researchers found that multidrug-resistant bacteria in CF patients' airways are associated with lower microbial diversity and more aggressive disease. The study suggests that judicious use of antibiotics is crucial to help patients live longer, but new methods can help target infectious bacteria selectively.

In clinical trials, new antibody therapy controls HIV for months after treatment

Researchers have developed a novel immunotherapy that can suppress HIV for months at a time, using a combination of two anti-HIV antibodies. The treatment, called broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs), has shown promising results in clinical trials, with some patients experiencing sustained viral suppression for over four months.

Tracking hydrogen movement using subatomic particles

A Japanese collaboration has successfully tracked hydrogen movement in solids using negative muons, a technique that could aid the development of hydrogen storage materials. By detecting local nuclear magnetic fields, researchers were able to study the dynamics of light elements in a solid from the fixed point of the nucleus.

Clear the air

A University of Utah engineering study shows that smart controllers for home heating and cooling systems can clean pollution with minimal additional energy costs. The 'SmartAir' setting, which turns on the HVAC fan based on both temperature and air quality, cleaned the air almost as well as continuous operation but used 58% less energy.

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.

Bureau of Reclamation funds Upper Missouri River pallid sturgeon study

The Bureau of Reclamation is supporting a six-year study to assess the impact of its projects on endangered pallid sturgeon in the upper Missouri River. The study aims to preserve the species and potentially lead to its downlisting, with data gathering focused on reproduction conditions and habitat analysis.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Plant genetic resources ensure ag's future

The importance of plant genetic resources cannot be overstated, as they provide the building blocks for crop breeding and research. Crop wild relatives, in particular, offer valuable traits like drought tolerance that can help ensure global food security.

Tiger mosquitoes are capable of transmitting yellow fever

A recent study by scientists at the Institut Pasteur has demonstrated that tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus) can transmit the yellow fever virus. The research found that the virus can adapt to this species, which is widely present in urban and forest areas, posing a major public health threat.

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.

Study shows importance of personal social networks on neurological outcomes

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers found that people's social networks have a strong association with their reported neurological disability. The team developed a social network assessment tool, which found that unhealthy habits of those around an individual can significantly impact their health outcomes.

Researchers map susceptibility to man-made earthquakes

Researchers developed a model to forecast man-made earthquake activity in Oklahoma and Kansas, incorporating earthquake physics and wastewater injection data. The model predicts a 32% probability of potentially damaging earthquakes in 2018, decreasing to 19% by 2020.

Beyond skin deep: understanding disparities in dermatology services

A new study found significant disparities in the use of outpatient dermatology services among different ethnic groups and socioeconomic statuses. Patients with lower incomes and education levels were less likely to receive care, while those with higher incomes and education levels had better access to specialized services.

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.

Quantum science funding flows into Argonne

The U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory will receive over $11 million in funding for four major projects focused on quantum information science. These studies aim to develop new computing and sensing technologies, including the creation and manipulation of quantum bits and the study of quantum entanglement.

Psychologists define the 'dark core of personality'

Research reveals that all dark personality traits can be traced back to a single tendency: placing one's own goals and interests over others. The D-factor is the general tendency to maximize utility while disregarding disutility for others.

Science learns from its mistakes too

A mathematical model by BfR reveals that publishing all studies, regardless of results, accelerates knowledge acquisition and reduces unnecessary follow-up studies. Using more test animals in a single experiment increases the likelihood of achieving correct and reproducible results.

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.

Researchers discover molecule involved in the repair of liver wounds

A new study reveals that CD26/DPP-4 is a key player in the regeneration of acute liver wounds and may serve as a valuable biomarker for detecting hepatic disease. The molecule's enzymatic activity was shown to increase with reduced liver immune cell population, suggesting its potential use in non-invasive diagnosis.

UM researcher lands $1.5 million grant to study small-farmer land use

A UM Associate Professor is awarded a $1.45 million grant to study interactions between climate, water availability and land-use decisions made by small farmers in the US and Brazil. The research aims to understand the dynamic feedbacks between production choices, regional climate and water variability.

A self-powered heart monitor taped to the skin

Researchers at RIKEN developed a self-powered heart monitor that can be taped to the skin, utilizing sunlight as a power source. The device achieves high photo-conversion efficiency and demonstrates accurate heartbeat detection in both rats and humans under various lighting conditions.

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.

Study demonstrates new mechanism for developing electronic devices

Researchers at OIST have discovered a new method to manipulate electrons on the nanometer scale using light. By inducing electric fields on material surfaces, they can control electron flow within specific areas, potentially leading to faster and better functioning devices.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Two studies describe improved approach to bone marrow transplant

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center describe a new method to improve the bone marrow transplant process, utilizing CASIN to mobilize higher quality donor HSCs and condition transplant recipients. This approach has potential to reduce toxicity and increase engraftment efficiency for vulnerable patients.

New Tourette disorder genes come to light

Researchers have discovered new genetic mutations associated with Tourette Disorder, which may disrupt cell polarity and lead to chronic vocal and motor tics. The study's findings provide a deeper understanding of the condition and offer potential insights for developing improved treatments.

Fuels without fossils

Researchers at UD are developing a solar-driven carbon dioxide utilization technology to produce chemicals and fuels without using fossil sources. The system aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing carbon-neutral solar electricity.

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.

Schoolyard tree cover predicts math performance in high-poverty urban schools

A new study from the University of Illinois suggests that school greening could be a solution to improving academic performance in disadvantaged schools. The research found that schoolyard tree cover positively predicted math scores, with more trees leading to better performance, while grass had no impact on learning.

Diversity in the brain -- how millions of neurons become unique

A mathematic model developed by researchers at the University of Basel's Biozentrum demonstrates how different variants of genes enable random diversity in neurons. This diversity is achieved by combining isoforms in a way that results in precise and exclusive neuron function.

The virtual factory: £7 million to make steel tests 100 times faster

A £7 million funding has enabled the development of a 'virtual factory' to test and refine new steel alloys 100 times faster than traditional methods. This breakthrough allows for faster testing of small-scale samples, covering areas like strength, durability, and corrosion resistance.

OHSU discovers molecular channel that regulates blood pressure

Researchers at OHSU have discovered the three-dimensional structure of a membrane channel critical in controlling blood pressure. The breakthrough provides a starting point for developing better treatments for diseases associated with this channel, including severe hypertension and heart failure.

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.

Study finds that enzymes 'partner up' to accelerate cancer, aging diseases

Researchers at Indiana University have identified two enzymes that combine to speed up telomere growth, potentially leading to new ways to treat cancer and premature aging disorders. The study sheds light on the role of helicases in telomere maintenance and may lead to the development of new therapies.

Researchers seek vaccine for 'traveler's diarrhea'

A new study has identified a key factor in how Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) causes disease, giving scientists hope for a preventive vaccine. The researchers discovered that ETEC can sense oxygen levels to control toxin production, leading to breakthroughs in understanding the bacteria's virulence.

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.

Tumor cell expansion challenges current physics

Researchers develop new theory to explain how tumors spread, revealing competition between forces that shape their growth. The 'active wetting' model suggests tumors behave like active drops, with cells creating forces and moving on their own.

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.

New Zealand children's medicine prescriptions examined for first time

A study examining prescription medicines in New Zealand children found significant increases in antibiotic and pain relief use, but also decreases in systemic antibiotics. The research highlights the importance of educational campaigns and monitoring to ensure safe prescribing practices.

Lung inflammation from childhood asthma linked with later anxiety

A new study by Penn State researchers found that childhood exposure to allergens can lead to persistent lung inflammation, which may contribute to the development of anxiety later in life. The study also found that episodes of labored breathing were associated with short-term anxiety.

Who believes in conspiracies? New research offers a theory

New research by Josh Hart suggests that people with suspicious, untrusting, and eccentric personalities are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories. The study found that these individuals tend to be more receptive to meaningful patterns where none exist and have a tendency to detect hidden forces at play.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

CT technique expands possibilities of imaging ancient remains

A Swedish study has successfully imaged the soft tissue of an ancient Egyptian mummy's hand using a novel CT technique called phase-contrast imaging. This technique enhances contrast and allows for detailed analysis of soft tissues, opening up new opportunities for paleopathology research.

Promising novel treatment against Alzheimer's disease

A novel drug has reversed memory deficits and stopped Alzheimer disease pathology in an animal model, with proven non-toxicity for humans. The drug targets the Caspase-1/Caspase-6 neurodegenerative pathway, a significant breakthrough in treating age-related memory loss.

Invasive snakes 'hitchhiking' on planes

A team of scientists discovered why brown tree snakes have become successful invasive species by studying their toxin and biology. The snakes' venom is 100 times more toxic to birds than mammals and was responsible for devastating native bird populations on Guam.

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.

The gods of small things

Researchers at the Technical University of Munich have created a heterometallic copper-aluminum superatom that exhibits atomic properties. The discovery paves the way for the development of new, cost-effective catalysts for various chemical processes.

New way of determining treatment for staph infections cuts antibiotic use

A new clinical algorithm has been developed to identify eligible patients with uncomplicated staphylococcal bloodstream infections who can take antibiotics for fewer days. This reduction in antibiotic duration is significant and could help reduce antibiotic resistance on a broader scale, benefiting individual patients and public health.

The crazy dance of falling knots

Researchers studied knotted steel chains in a viscous fluid, reproducing Kelvin's vortex atoms. The chains formed stable, toroidal structures with intertwined loops that swirled around each other.

Oxygen vs. nanochip

Scientists at NUST MISIS discover that molybdenum disulfide, a promising basis for ultra-small electronic devices, degrades in air due to spontaneous oxidation. However, they also found that the material can be transformed into a solid solution MoS2-xOx, which is an effective catalyst for electromechanical processes.

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.