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Science News Archive September 2018 - Page 10


Page 10 of 37

'Ground coffee' with soil perks in Brazil

Researchers in Brazil develop an effective method to minimize lost coffee berries during mechanical harvesting, reducing soil compaction and improving profit margins. The study suggests using a subsoiler followed by a crusher as the most cost-effective solution.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateSep 24, 2018
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Dinosaur-like forms in early bird shoulders

Researchers discover Jinguofortis perplexus, a Pygostylia species with both bird-like and dinosaur-like features, providing insight into the evolution of modern birds. The study highlights the role of developmental plasticity in shaping the avian shoulder girdle.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 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.

Children whose mothers use marijuana may try it at a younger age

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that children whose mothers use marijuana are more likely to start using the drug themselves an average of two years earlier. This can lead to negative consequences such as impairments in concentration and decision-making, increased impulsivity, and reductions in IQ.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateSep 24, 2018

Earthquake risk estimation

Researchers developed a method to estimate seismic risk by modeling various earthquake scenarios and identifying common impacts. The study suggests that most scenarios produce lower impacts than the worst-case scenario, with urban areas posing less risk than rural western Nepal.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2018

Older adults with a 'fall prevention plan' less likely to end up in hospital

A new study published in The Gerontologist found that older adults with a 'fall plan of care' are less likely to suffer fall-related hospitalizations. This initiative, which includes screening for fall risk, assessing modifiable risk factors, and prescribing evidence-based interventions, was shown to reduce hospitalizations by 0.6 times.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateSep 24, 2018

Know someone sick? Your own smell might give it away

A new study from the Monell Chemical Senses Center reveals that healthy animals' bodily odors change when they are near sick animals, potentially impacting social contacts and disease spread. The findings suggest that exposure to sickness-related odors can trigger protective responses in others.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 24, 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.

DNA islands effective as 'anti-bacterial drones'

A new study finds that DNA islands can be engineered to disable Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which are often resistant to antibiotics. The 'drone-like' vehicles deliver genetic payloads to bacterial populations, killing the bacteria and rescuing treated animals.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateSep 24, 2018

Chinese Cretaceous fossil highlights avian evolution

A newly discovered extinct bird species, Jinguofortis perplexus, sheds light on early flight development and evolutionary variation. The fossil's unique traits, including a fused shoulder girdle, suggest different flying styles during the Cretaceous period.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2018

Weathering of early Earth rocks

Researchers analyzed silicon and oxygen isotopes in zircon crystals to infer the presence of sedimentary rocks, such as cherts or banded iron formations, on early Earth. The findings suggest that these rocks may have existed over 4 billion years ago, providing a window into the planet's primordial chemistry.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 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.

How nature, nurture shape the sleeping brain

A study of teenage twins reveals that both genetic and environmental factors shape brain activity during sleep. The findings suggest that frontal regions are under stronger environmental control, while regions towards the back of the brain are more influenced by genetics.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateSep 24, 2018

Reprocessing cultural heritage

A project at St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences combines traditional woodworking techniques with innovative cinematic forms of communication to create documentary-style tutorials. The project, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research, aims to preserve traditional crafts for future generations.

SourceSt. Poelten University of Applied Sciences·DateSep 24, 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.

Children found capable of using the 'wisdom of crowds'

Research led by the University of Bristol found that children aged 11-19 can effectively use collective intelligence to make group decisions, revealing a geometric mean rule-of-thumb approach. The study revealed that pupils used their original guesses to come to a final consensus, even in cases of disagreement.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 24, 2018

High-carbohydrates diet lead to weight loss, according to new study

A new study found that a high-carbohydrate diet led to significant weight loss and improvements in insulin function in overweight individuals. The plant-based diet group consumed whole, complex carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables, and legumes, leading to reduced body mass index, body weight, and fat mass.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalNutrients·DateSep 24, 2018

Establishing metastasis

Scientists at the Medical University of South Carolina discovered that over-expression of VRK1 actually slows down cancer cell migration and invasion, but enables cells to form colonies under 3D conditions. High levels of VRK1 are associated with aggressive breast cancers and poor prognoses in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 24, 2018

A fracture anywhere reduces bone density everywhere

New studies from UC Davis Health reveal that fractures lead to bone density losses throughout the body, particularly around the time of fracture and in bones far from the site of injury. The research also identifies age-related recovery differences, with younger mice regaining pre-fracture bone mineral density levels.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateSep 24, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Crowd counting through walls with WiFi

UCSB researchers propose a new method for estimating the number of people in a room based on WiFi signal strength measurements. The technique, which uses received signal power to estimate occupant numbers, has shown high accuracy in experiments with up to 20 people and various wall properties.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateSep 24, 2018

Alarmingly low awareness of urology across Europe

A survey of over 2,500 respondents found low awareness of urological conditions, particularly among men. Men are less knowledgeable about urological symptoms than women, and many do not take early signs seriously, leading to delayed diagnosis and potentially life-threatening consequences.

SourceEuropean Association of Urology·DateSep 24, 2018

Halting Parkinson's disease-related neurodegeneration

Researchers identified SynuClean-D as a potential therapeutic for neurodegeneration, which disrupts amyloid fibrils and inhibits alpha-synuclein aggregation. The compound reversed degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in animal models, offering hope for halting Parkinson's disease-related neurodegeneration.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2018

North Korea's 2017 bomb test set off later earthquakes, new analysis finds

Scientists discovered that a North Korean nuclear bomb test in 2017 set off aftershocks over eight months, providing insight into the physics of nuclear explosions and how natural earthquakes can be triggered. The analysis used new methods to pinpoint the locations of the quakes with greater precision, revealing a hidden fracture.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateSep 24, 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.

How a molecular signal helps plant cells decide when to make oil

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory identified a key molecular signal that helps plant cells decide when to produce oil. The study found that trehalose 6-phosphate interacts with the sugar-sensing complex, inhibiting the shutdown of oil production and leading to increased oil synthesis.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateSep 24, 2018

Mosquitoes that can carry malaria eliminated in lab experiments

A team from Imperial College London used gene drive to completely block the reproductive capacity of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, Anopheles gambiae. The technology successfully transmitted genetic modifications that caused female infertility and population collapse.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateSep 24, 2018

Burst of morning gene activity tells plants when to flower

A team of researchers discovered that flowering plants exhibit a morning peak of gene activity, contrary to the previously established evening peak theory. The study, conducted in natural environments, suggests that artificial growing conditions used in labs may have influenced earlier findings.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Plants·DateSep 24, 2018

Desert ants have an amazing odor memory

Researchers found that desert ants can learn multiple food odors in a short time and retain them throughout their lives. In contrast, they require repeated exposure to learn a single nest odor and may forget it quickly after removal from the nest. These findings suggest different memory processes for food and nest-related cues.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 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.

Physical activity necessary to maintain heart-healthy lifestyle

A systematic review of 25 studies found physical activity significantly reduces heart disease risk by 40%, with moderate-intensity exercise lowering systolic blood pressure by up to 15mmHg. Replacing sedentary behaviors with daily activities can also lower all-cause mortality.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 24, 2018

New earthquake risk model could better inform disaster planning

Researchers developed a new seismic risk modeling approach to assess earthquake impacts and identify common hazards across multiple scenarios. The 'ensemble modeling' method provides critical information on likelihood and probable scale of future earthquakes' impacts, enabling targeted disaster mitigation resources distribution.

SourceDurham University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2018

Results from the COAPT trial reported at TCT 2018 and published simultaneously in NEJM

The COAPT trial found that the MitraClip device significantly reduced hospitalization rates and mortality, while improving quality-of-life measures and functional capacity in heart failure patients with secondary mitral regurgitation. The study also showed a substantial reduction in the need for heart transplants or left ventricular as...

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 23, 2018

Too many people missing out on health benefits of golf, says expert panel

Playing golf regularly is associated with increased longevity and reduced risk of heart disease, as well as improved mental health for those with disabilities. To maximize these benefits, golfers should aim to play for 150 minutes a week and prioritize sun protection and injury prevention.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateSep 23, 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.

Preventing underage drinking among youths on rural reservations

A recent study evaluated the effects of combined individual- and community-level interventions to reduce underage drinking by American Indian/Alaska Native youths. Reports of drinking frequency declined among students in the intervention group relative to comparison groups, with significant reductions in heavy drinking frequency.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateSep 23, 2018

Results from the SOLVE-TAVI trial reported at TCT 2018

The SOLVE-TAVI trial found that local anesthesia is both safe and effective for patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), especially those with intermediate to high surgical risk. The study also showed similar outcomes between current-generation balloon-expandable and self-expanding valves.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·DateSep 23, 2018

SCAI-WIN announces the winner of the CHIP Fellowship

The SCAI-WIN program aims to increase female participation in interventional cardiology. Megha Prasad has been selected for a $100,000 fellowship to develop complex and high-risk intervention skills.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·DateSep 23, 2018

Prosthetic valve mismatches common in transcatheter valve replacement, ups risk of death

A large study found that severe cases of prosthesis-patient mismatch after transcatheter aortic valve replacement increase the risk of death and heart failure readmissions by 19% and 12%, respectively. The study identified predictors of PPM, including smaller valve prostheses, larger body surface areas, and female or younger patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 23, 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.

New research heralds a blood test for drowsy driving

Researchers at the University of Surrey have successfully identified biomarkers in blood that can detect sleep deprivation. A machine learning algorithm detected changes in gene expression levels with 92% accuracy, paving the way for a future test to assess driver fitness.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalSLEEP·DateSep 23, 2018

'Pinning down' how salty droplets dry

Scientists at Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a method to pin the edge of drying droplets, creating various geometric patterns. By adding microscopic latex particles to salt solution droplets, they can achieve controlled re-crystallization and form beautiful snowflake-like patterns.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 22, 2018

The link between cognitive function and sexuality in older adults

Researchers analyzed data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project to study the relationship between sexual behavior, function, and cognition. The study found that nearly half of men with dementia were sexually active, as well as 18% of women.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateSep 21, 2018

Study: Emissions from most diesel cars in Europe greatly exceed laboratory testing levels

A new MIT study finds that 10 major European auto manufacturers produced diesel cars emitting up to 16 times more NOx on the road than in lab tests, resulting in approximately 2,700 premature deaths per year across Europe. Improving emissions control technologies could prevent up to 1,900 premature deaths annually.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateSep 21, 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.

Helping parents decide on care for children with minor head trauma

A new information tool helps parents make informed decisions about their children's care after minor head trauma, leading to increased parent knowledge and reduced healthcare utilization. However, the tool did not reduce the rate of CT imaging in emergency departments.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 21, 2018

MSU-Spectrum Health researchers identify new genetic disorder

Researchers identified a rare genetic disorder in a human patient caused by mutations in the ornithine decarboxylase 1 (ODC1) gene. The disorder is characterized by large birth weight, hair loss, and developmental delays, and may be treatable with the FDA-approved drug DFMO.

SourceCorewell Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateSep 21, 2018

Tobacco display ban linked to fewer children buying cigarettes in shops

A new study from Imperial College London found that removing tobacco displays from shops reduced the proportion of children buying cigarettes by 17 percent. However, more than two-thirds of child smokers reported being refused cigarettes when trying to buy them, suggesting that enforcement is still crucial.

SourceImperial College London·JournalTobacco Control·DateSep 21, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Insulin shows great potential against chronic colitis

A new study finds that injecting insulin into the rectum can effectively treat chronic bowel inflammation in humans like Colitis Ulcerosa. The treatment strengthens bowel cells' own defence, reducing inflammation and improving symptoms such as weight loss and bloody diarrhoea.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·DateSep 21, 2018

Ocean acidification may reduce sea scallop fisheries

A new model predicts that ocean acidification could reduce the US sea scallop population by more than 50% in 30 to 80 years, but proactive climate policy may mitigate this impact. The study combines four major factors, including future climate change scenarios, ocean acidification impacts, fisheries management policies, and fuel costs.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 21, 2018

Three NASA missions return first-light data

The TESS mission captured a detailed picture of the southern sky with its four wide-field cameras, while Parker Solar Probe and GOLD returned initial data on their instruments and science potential. The three missions offer new perspectives on exoplanets, solar activity, and space weather.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 21, 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.

New battery gobbles up carbon dioxide

A new type of battery developed by MIT researchers can convert carbon dioxide into a solid mineral carbonate as it discharges. This approach could potentially reduce the cost of carbon capture systems and make them more economically viable. The battery is made from lithium metal, carbon, and an electrolyte that incorporates captured CO2.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJoule·DateSep 21, 2018