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Science News Archive September 2018 - Page 16


Page 16 of 37
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

In a tiny worm, a close-up view of where genes are working

A team at Princeton's Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics has produced new resources for studying the biology of multicellular organisms. The researchers analyzed gene activity patterns in four major tissues and developed a tool to predict gene expression across cell types.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateSep 18, 2018

Monitoring serum Albumin can help patients recover from gastrectomy

Elderly patients with gastric cancer undergoing elective laparoscopic gastrectomy are at high risk of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). This study found that preoperative serum albumin levels were strongly associated with PPCs, suggesting that monitoring albumin can help identify patients at risk. The study's findings suppo...

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Pharmaceutical Design·DateSep 18, 2018

Why some human genes are more popular with researchers than others

A recent study reveals that historical bias in research funding mechanisms and social forces reinforce the focus on established genes, leading to an under-studied 80% of all human genes. The researchers discovered that poorly characterized genes have a 50% lower chance of becoming independent researchers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 18, 2018

The nocturnal pollinators: Scientists reveal the secret life of moths

Moths have been found to carry pollen from various plant species, including crops such as peas and soybean, suggesting they may play an important ecological role in pollination. This discovery highlights the potential benefits of moths to plants and agricultural systems, potentially preventing inbreeding among plants.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalEcological Entomology·DateSep 18, 2018

Sleep deprived people more likely to have car crashes

A new study by Oxford University Press USA found that people who have slept for fewer than seven hours are more likely to be involved in and responsible for car crashes. The risk is particularly high for drivers who have slept less than four hours, with a 15.1 times higher odds of being involved in a crash

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalSLEEP·DateSep 18, 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.

Small molecule plays big role in weaker bones as we age

Scientists discover that as we age, a small molecule called microRNA-141-3p increases and silences key signaling molecules like SDF-1 in stem cells, leading to weaker bone formation. Restoring a youthful balance could be a novel approach to reducing age-related problems like osteoporosis.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateSep 18, 2018

Nuclear pasta, the hardest known substance in the universe

Researchers ran largest computer simulations of neutron star crusts to understand the possible sources of gravitational waves. They found that the material deep inside the neutron star is incredibly stiff, with 'nuclear pasta' shapes causing it to assemble into unique structures.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 18, 2018

Anxiety surrounding mass shootings briefly closes ideological divides

A study by University of Kansas professors found that mass shootings create a brief window of opportunity for policymakers to pass gun law reforms, with anxious people supporting changes in ideology and politics. However, this effect is short-lived as the public's emotional response to anxiety changes how they think about politics.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalResearch & Politics·DateSep 18, 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.

Cosmetically smoothing over visible facial scars

A novel cosmetic product has shown promise in covering facial scars, with patients reporting improved satisfaction with their appearance. The treatment's effectiveness varies depending on the location and degree of scarring, but the results suggest a potential long-term solution for those affected.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of Prosthodontic Research·DateSep 18, 2018

Study uncovers new hurdle for developing immunotherapies

Researchers at University of Notre Dame discover that T-cell receptors can be more cross-reactive than previously thought, increasing the challenge of developing effective immunotherapies. This finding highlights the need to reassess predictions for building models for therapy and recognizing targets.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateSep 18, 2018

Why the brain struggles to get off the sofa

Researchers at UNIGE found that the brain struggles to counter its natural inclination towards minimizing effort when faced with physical activity. The study, published in Neuropsychologia, suggests that our ancestors' need to conserve resources for survival has become obsolete in modern societies.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateSep 18, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Silver nanoparticles are toxic for aquatic organisms

Research found that silver nanoparticles and soluble silver cause inflammation in zebrafish gills, with nanoparticles leading to longer-term effects. After exposure, fish recovered from the metal, but continued to exhibit altered gene expression levels.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateSep 18, 2018

Recommendation statement on behavioral weight loss interventions to prevent obesity-related health problems, death in adults

The USPSTF recommends intensive behavioral interventions focusing on dietary changes and increased physical activity for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher. Obesity is associated with increased risks of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, various types of cancer, disability, and death, particularly among adults younger than 65 years.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 18, 2018

Mathematicians calculate the safest way home

Cardiff University researchers calculate a novel system for scoring an area's safety, successfully predicting road casualties. The system uses factors like crossings, street type, and speed limits, with Liverpool deemed the most unsafe and Bath the safest.

SourceCardiff University·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateSep 18, 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.

Searching for errors in the quantum world

A thought experiment by Renato Renner and Daniela Frauchiger reveals a paradoxical situation where indirect observation of a quantum mechanical object yields the opposite result of direct observation. The calculation shows that precisely this is not the case, creating a conundrum. While colleagues have proposed various solutions, none ...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 18, 2018

Making happiness last longer

Researchers found that people with general goals reported more happiness over time, especially six weeks after the initial experience. This approach may be beneficial for experiences like material purchases or vacations, leading to a longer-lasting positive emotional imprint.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateSep 18, 2018

$1.7 million SBIR grant fast-tracks bone fracture healing

Researchers at Purdue University have developed an injectable-targeted drug that demonstrates accelerated and improved bone fracture healing. The grant will support human trials for this novel treatment, which could also be used for other conditions such as dental implants and spinal fractures.

SourcePurdue University·DateSep 18, 2018

Long-term success of ACL reconstruction is connected to way you move post-surgery

Researchers found that people who report lingering symptoms after ACL surgery tend to overload or underload their injured leg, leading to cartilage damage. The study suggests that restoring proper movement mechanics through physical therapy and strength training may improve chances of avoiding osteoarthritis.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateSep 18, 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.

Better chemo drug adsorption onto targeted delivery capsules

Scientists have demonstrated that adding aluminium atoms to active carbon delivery capsules increases the adsorption of chemotherapy drugs, like 5-Fluorouracil, onto targeted delivery devices. This could lead to more effective cancer treatments with fewer side effects by encapsulating chemo drugs into active carbon.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateSep 18, 2018

Engineered E. coli using formic acid and CO2 as a C1-refinery platform strain

Researchers developed an engineered E. coli strain that converts formic acid and CO2 to pyruvate, producing cellular energy from formic acid through reconstructed one-carbon pathways. The strain efficiently utilizes formic acid as a carbon source while reducing glucose consumption.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2018

Colon cancer is caused by bacteria and cell stress

A study found that bacteria in the intestines fuel tumor growth in the colon, with chronic inflammation having no effect on cancer development. Microbial therapy is considered a promising approach when more about bacterial flora composition is known.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateSep 18, 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.

Greater than the sum of its parts

Scientists have developed a comprehensive model of electrochemistry that combines existing theories to predict previously unexplained behavior. The Unified Electrochemical Band-Diagram Framework enables the prediction of material properties and behavior in any electrode, including batteries, supercapacitors, and catalysis.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 18, 2018

Use of electrical brain stimulation to foster creativity has sweeping implications

Researchers from Georgetown University Medical Center found that electrical brain stimulation can enhance creative thinking. However, the use of these devices in children raises concerns about safety and regulation. The authors suggest educating users and making safer tools available to mitigate risks.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalCreativity Research Journal·DateSep 18, 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.

Cash, carbon, crude: How to make oil fields bury emissions

A Stanford study suggests using government payments to incentivize the oil industry to capture more carbon dioxide from human-related sources. This could lead to a 9.5% reduction in climate emissions, even with increased oil extraction. The proposal involves a reverse Dutch auction system to pilot-test the concept.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalJoule·DateSep 18, 2018

Medical schools lag behind in veterans' tuition aid

A Northwestern Medicine study found that medical schools have a median shortfall of nearly $27,500 per year, adding up to $110,000 for veterans, despite receiving the GI bill. This means that only 45% of medical school tuition is covered by aid compared to 85% for law and 100% for MBA programs.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA·DateSep 18, 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.

Is email evil? Bosses are getting boxed in by their inbox

A study by Michigan State University found that managing email can hinder a manager's productivity and leadership abilities. Managers reported lower work progress and fewer effective leader behaviors when faced with high email demands, leading to decreased employee performance and increased stress.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateSep 18, 2018

Distance helps re-fuel the heart

Mitochondria use one-way doors called mitochondrial calcium uniporter channel complexes (MCUCs) to control access, but the exit door proteins are abundant only in areas far from the entrances. This separation allows mitochondria to operate at maximum efficiency even when stressed.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 18, 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.

Drugs that stop mosquitoes catching malaria could help eradicate the disease

Researchers at Imperial College London have identified six compounds that can prevent malaria parasites from maturing inside mosquitoes, reducing disease transmission. These compounds, which target the parasite's sexual forms, could be used to develop new antimalarial drugs that not only cure individuals but also protect communities.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 18, 2018

Air pollution may be linked to heightened dementia risk

A study found associations between air pollution and dementia diagnoses in London patients, with higher NO2 and PM2.5 levels linked to a 40% increased risk of dementia. The study's findings suggest that traffic-related air pollution may contribute to neurodegeneration, particularly for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateSep 18, 2018

Productive interaction

Scientists at the University of Konstanz have gained detailed structural insights into DNA polymerases interacting with modified substrates. This knowledge can be used to advance genome sequencing and other areas of molecular biology-based diagnostics.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2018

Thermal ablation effectively treats early-stage lung cancer

A study published in Radiology found that thermal ablation is a safe and effective treatment for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, delivering comparable survival rates to stereotactic radiotherapy. The one-time treatment also offers direct access to the tumor, enabling biopsy samples and potentially lower costs.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateSep 18, 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.

Biophysical Journal Outstanding Poster Award ainners announced

The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its Outstanding Poster Award, recognizing outstanding scientific achievements in biophysics. The student winners were selected for their research on HERG kinetics, while the postdoctoral winner was recognized for her work on cardiac resynchronization therapy.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateSep 18, 2018

Researchers investigate correlation between blood flow and body position

Scientists detected alterations in capillary blood flow around the face caused by body position change, revealing a response to hydrostatic pressure difference and external stimuli. The non-contact method provides valuable information on peripheral blood flow regulation, potentially leading to new investigations of body responses.

SourceITMO University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 18, 2018
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.

Introducing the 'smart mirror'

Researchers from NIST developed a laser power sensor that can be built into manufacturing devices for real-time measurements. The 'smart mirror' uses radiation pressure to measure the force of light on a reflective surface, providing high accuracy and sensitivity for lasers of hundreds of watts.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Sensors Journal·DateSep 18, 2018

Searching for clues on extreme climate change

Researchers reconstructed a drastic climate change event in southern France using tree-ring width measurements and chemical analyses. They found that the region experienced increased air mass transport from the North Atlantic and regional variability in precipitation, leading to extreme weather conditions.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 18, 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.

UTMB adapts Zika vaccine to fight brain cancer

Researchers at UTMB successfully adapted a Zika virus vaccine to target and kill glioblastoma, the deadliest form of brain tumor. The altered vaccine effectively destroyed cancerous brain cells in mice without harming healthy ones.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalmBio·DateSep 18, 2018