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Science News Archive September 2018 - Page 20


Page 20 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.

Inhaled steroids may increase risk of nontuberculous mycobacteria lung infections

Researchers found that inhaled steroid use is associated with a higher risk of developing nontuberculous mycobacteria lung infections. The study analyzed medical records of patients diagnosed with NTM lung infections and found that the odds of infection were 2.7 times greater in those who used inhaled steroids.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateSep 14, 2018

Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health receives five-year funding

The Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health will continue to advance research on the links between oceanic processes and human health, with a focus on harmful algal blooms. The five-year funding aims to better understand public health risks associated with environmental exposures in marine coastal regions and the Great Lakes Basin.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·DateSep 14, 2018

Financial incentives for cholesterol control may be cost-effective

A study found that a shared financial incentive program provided reasonable value for the health gains it produced compared with other programs. The program offered $1,024 per year, split between patient and doctor, and showed lower LDL cholesterol levels. Further evaluation is warranted to test this strategy in real-world settings.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 14, 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.

How a tetrahedral substance can be more symmetrical than a spherical atom: A new type of symmetry

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have demonstrated that special tetrahedron nanostructures composed of certain metals can exhibit a higher degree of symmetry than spherical atoms. This new type of symmetry may lead to unprecedented electrical and magnetic properties, enabling the creation of novel electronic materials.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 14, 2018

Novel framework to address uncertainty in water management

Researchers developed a decision-making framework addressing water scarcity under climate change, explicitly considering uncertainties. The framework provides guidelines for policy options and helps policymakers make informed decisions on investments and interventions.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Sustainability·DateSep 14, 2018

NASA sees dangerous Super Typhoon Mangkhut, eyeing the Philippines

NASA's Suomi NPP satellite captures a visible image of Mangkhut, showing a symmetrical storm with a clear eye surrounded by powerful thunderstorms. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center reports maximum sustained winds near 167 mph, forecast to pass over Luzon as a category 5 equivalent typhoon.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 14, 2018

NASA-NOAA satellite sees land-falling Hurricane Florence

Hurricane Florence made landfall near Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, bringing estimated maximum winds of 90 mph and a minimum central pressure estimate of 958 millibars. The storm's infrared imagery showed the power and extent of its massive storm system.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 14, 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.

Microbiome serves as sentinel for nerve gas exposure

Researchers found that the microbiome can detect exposure to banned nerve agents like soman by identifying specific bacterial and plant species. These signatures of exposure persist for at least 72 hours after exposure and can be detected non-invasively, making it possible to identify exposed individuals before symptoms develop.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateSep 14, 2018

Organic farming methods favors pollinators

A 3-year study by Lund University found organic farming stabilizes pollinator diversity in crop fields by providing more stable flower resources. This effect is seen even in conventional farms with reduced pesticide use.

SourceLund University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateSep 14, 2018

State grant allows UTA more mentors for Pathways program

The UTA Pathways Program has received a state grant worth $140,406 to support hiring more mentors for guiding students in the program. The program serves over 41,000 students across nine school districts and provides college access, career readiness, and academic tutoring.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateSep 14, 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.

Patients should have more control of their own data

A joint research team from Germany, Austria, and Denmark is developing a new cloud infrastructure to secure patient data, giving patients control over their own data. The system will enable hospitals to share learned representations without transferring sensitive data, improving data sharing and collaboration among institutions.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·DateSep 14, 2018

Nebraska researchers to lead largest drone-based study of storms

The TORUS project aims to collect high-resolution data from within severe storms to improve forecasting for tornadoes and severe storms. The research goal is to improve the conceptual model of supercell thunderstorms by exposing hidden structures that lead to tornado formation.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·DateSep 14, 2018

When 80 microns is enough

Researchers at NTNU's QuSpin Center have successfully controlled a spin current across 80 microns in an antiferromagnet, demonstrating significant advancements in spintronics. This breakthrough enables the potential for more efficient and faster electronic devices.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature·DateSep 14, 2018

Scientific analysis shows probiotic use is associated with fewer antibiotic prescriptions

A systematic review found that healthy infants and children taking probiotics are 29% less likely to receive antibiotics. Probiotics may reduce antibiotic use by reducing the incidence and duration of infections, making them a potential tool for physicians as an alternative to antibiotics.

SourceInternational Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics·JournalEuropean Journal of Public Health·DateSep 14, 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.

Hate speech-detecting AIs are fools for 'love'

A new study by Aalto University reveals that state-of-the-art hate speech detectors can be easily duped by humans, even with intentional typos and modifications. The researchers recommend improving data sets used to train machine learning models rather than refining model design.

SourceAalto University·DateSep 14, 2018

Big data studies scrutinize links between fatty liver disease and how cells make energy

Two recent studies reveal that mitochondrial proteins are broken down more quickly in fatty liver cells, reducing their activity. Meanwhile, liver cells with fatty liver disease show signs of overworking, using triglycerides instead of glucose to make energy and increasing reactive oxygen byproducts, which can damage proteins.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateSep 14, 2018

Overall well-being of a population associated with less per capita medicare spending

A recent study found that counties with higher population well-being had lower Medicare spending per beneficiary, even after adjusting for household income and healthcare capacity. The researchers suggest that positive environmental and social conditions can lead to health-related benefits and reduced healthcare costs.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 14, 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.

Graphene helps protect photocathodes for physics experiments

Scientists have developed a way to wrap photocathodes in graphene to prevent degradation and extend their lifetimes. The thin layer of graphene provides insulation from air without hampering charge mobility or quantum efficiency.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateSep 14, 2018

Researchers model how toxic proteins course through the brain, lead to disease

Computer simulation models how toxic proteins spread through the brain to reproduce patterns of atrophy associated with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurodegenerative diseases. The model reveals that biochemistry and connectivity play key roles in mediating disease progression.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 14, 2018

Religious upbringing linked to better health and well-being during early adulthood

Researchers found that people with regular spiritual habits in childhood and adolescence reported greater life satisfaction, positivity, and lower depressive symptoms. They were also less likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, illicit drug use, or sexually transmitted infections.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateSep 14, 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.

How cells handle a sticky, toxic, but absolutely essential molecule

Researchers identify glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as the protein responsible for delivering heme, a toxic yet essential molecule, to target proteins in cells. This discovery provides insights into how heme is transported and could contribute to understanding diseases such as anemias and asthma.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 14, 2018

NASA-funded ELFIN to study how electrons get lost

ELFIN aims to measure magnetic waves and 'lost' electrons, verifying the causal mechanism behind energetic electrons escaping the Van Allen Belts. The mission uses two CubeSats to observe electron precipitation across space and time.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 14, 2018

Sniffing out sharks

A team of scientists from UC Santa Barbara and USGS used eDNA to detect the presence of white sharks in local waters, providing clues for lifeguards and helping monitor the species' recovery. The study's success could lead to real-time monitoring and better understanding of marine biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateSep 14, 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.

We have more than enough calories, but what about other nutrients?

A new study reveals that while nutrients exceed average requirements, inefficiencies in the supply chain lead to nutrient losses, leaving many people deficient. The research highlights the need for a holistic approach to addressing malnutrition and food security.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Food Systems·DateSep 14, 2018

Air pollution affects thyroid development in fetuses, USC research finds

USC research reveals that air pollution alters thyroid development in fetuses, increasing the risk of health impacts later in life. Thyroid hormone levels were found to increase with exposure to particulate matter, highlighting a potential link between air pollution and fetal growth and metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 14, 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.

ORNL-developed technology streamlines computational science projects

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Eclipse Integrated Computational Environment (ICE) simplifies complex simulations by providing a comprehensive suite of scientific computing tools. Researchers can define problems, run simulations locally or remotely, and analyze results using a user-friendly interface.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalSoftwareX·DateSep 14, 2018

Probiotic use may reduce antibiotic prescriptions, researchers say

A review of twelve studies found that probiotics reduced antibiotic prescriptions by 29-53% in infants and children. The study suggests that probiotics may be a way to combat antibiotic resistance, with potential mechanisms including immune regulation and pathogen inhibition.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalEuropean Journal of Public Health·DateSep 14, 2018

New method promises fewer side effects from cancer drugs

A new method developed by University of Copenhagen researchers, His-tag acylation, allows for precise targeting of proteins, reducing the risk of side effects. The approach enables the creation of tailored pharmaceuticals with enhanced characteristics, such as tracking proteins' path through cells.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 14, 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.

Repeat vaccination is safe for most kids with mild to moderate reactions

A study published in The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal found that repeat vaccinations are safe for most children with mild to moderate reactions after their initial immunization. Sixteen percent of patients experienced recurrent adverse events following immunization, but most were no more severe than the initial reaction.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalThe Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal·DateSep 14, 2018

Children who develop ALL may have dysregulated immune function at birth

Children who develop B-cell precursor ALL have dysregulated immune function at birth, as indicated by significantly different neonatal concentrations of eight detectable inflammatory markers. These findings suggest that early immune modulation may hold promise for preventing childhood ALL.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 14, 2018

'Optical rocket' created with intense laser light

Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have successfully accelerated plasma electrons almost instantly to speeds close to the speed of light using intense laser light pulses. The new application, dubbed an 'optical rocket,' boasts a force nearly trillion-trillion times greater than what astronauts experience in space.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 14, 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.

New soft coral species discovered in Panama

Researchers at STRI and CIMAR discovered a new blood-red octocoral species, T. dalioi, on Hannibal Bank, highlighting the importance of mesophotic reefs and coral conservation. The study's findings have potential applications in medicine, including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalBulletin of Marine Science·DateSep 14, 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.

Growing computers in petri dishes

A team of scientists from Lehigh University has successfully engineered a living neural network that can perform basic learning tasks. The project, supported by the National Science Foundation, aims to develop new ways to think about computer design and may influence brain-related research.

SourceLehigh University·DateSep 14, 2018

FRESH program combines basic science with social benefits for women at risk of HIV

The FRESH program has shown that young women in South Africa are more likely to be infected with HIV due to socioeconomic factors such as gender inequality and economic dependence. The program also identified biologic factors contributing to a higher risk of HIV infection, including hormonal levels and bacterial microbiome composition.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Immunology·DateSep 14, 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 photonic chip promises more robust quantum computers

Researchers have developed a topological photonic chip to process quantum information, demonstrating high-fidelity quantum interference and paving the way for scalable quantum computers. The breakthrough could lead to new materials, generation computers, and deeper understanding of fundamental science.

SourceCentre for Quantum Computation & Communication Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 14, 2018

CHLA team identifies developmental stage for No. 1 eye tumor in children

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have pinpointed the exact stage of development of the human retina when cells can grow out of control and form cancer-like masses. The finding could lead to future interventions in retinoblastoma, a tumor affecting children under five years of age.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 2018

How journalists become first responders during a natural disaster

Researchers from Michigan State University are studying how journalists became first responders during Hurricane Maria, transforming news stations into community centers for refugees. The team aims to analyze why infrastructure failed and provide policy recommendations for effective crisis communication.

SourceMichigan State University·DateSep 14, 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.

Sniffing out error in detection dog data

A new study confirms that three viable explanations exist for detection dogs collecting non-target scat, including natural behaviors of non-target species altering the genetic profile of target scat. This finding has important implications for conservation projects using scat-detection dogs to track animal populations.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 14, 2018