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Science News Archive September 2018 - Page 3


Page 3 of 37

New study hints at potential antibiotic breakthrough

Researchers develop structure-disrupting peptides to target bacterial proteins' structural core, reducing likelihood of resistance development. The study finds promising results in inhibiting multidrug-resistant bacteria growth and treating gonococcal infections.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateSep 27, 2018

Can we teach heart cells to grow up?

Researchers have identified serum response factor (SRF) as a critical regulator of cardiomyocyte maturation. SRF plays a key role in organizing contractile structures and regulating gene expression, but its level affects cell maturity. The study provides new insights into heart muscle development and regeneration.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 27, 2018

Silver fox study reveals genetic clues to social behavior

A new Cornell University-led study has identified genes that were altered in tame animals in two areas of the brain involved with learning and memory. Genes impacting serotonergic and glutaminergic neurons, important for learning and memory, were clearly affected by selection toward tameness.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 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.

Certain reflux and ulcer medications linked with bone fractures in dialysis patients

A new study finds that proton pump inhibitors are associated with a 19% higher risk of hip fractures in dialysis patients, regardless of usage level. Histamine-2 receptor antagonists were not linked to increased fracture risk. The findings highlight the need for individualized assessment and caution in PPI use among hemodialysis patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 27, 2018

UBC study: Publicizing a firm's security levels may strengthen security over time

A new UBC study found that publicizing a firm's security levels can lead to reduced spam and strengthened security over time. The research quantified the security levels of over 1,200 Pan-Asian companies, revealing that firms were more likely to prioritize security improvements when cyberattacks were less likely to directly harm them.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia - Sauder School of Business·DateSep 27, 2018

Chinese researchers discover how bird feathers resist tearing

Bird feathers have been found to resist tearing due to a sophisticated cascaded slide-lock system, composed of flexible hooklets and spines. This discovery overturns centuries-old explanations and provides insight into the design of smart textiles.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2018

How a sleeping cancer awakens and metastasizes

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory found that sustained lung inflammation can awaken dormant breast and prostate cancer cells, leading to metastasis. A new antibody approach may block this signaling pathway, preventing cancer recurrence.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 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.

The persistent killer of killer whales

A new study models the impact of PCBs on killer whale populations, finding that high concentrations in key regions could lead to collapse within a century. The model simulates accumulation and transfer of the chemical to offspring, tying population size and sustainability to proximity to PCB production.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 2018

Scientists discover genetic basis for how harmful algal blooms become toxic

A team of researchers has identified the genetic basis for the production of domoic acid, a potent neurotoxin produced by harmful algal blooms. The study's findings suggest that changes in oceanic conditions, such as phosphate limitation and increased carbon dioxide levels, can trigger toxin production.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 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.

Hospital privacy curtains may harbor dangerous germs: New study

A pilot study found that hospital privacy curtains became increasingly contaminated with MRSA over time, especially when placed in patient rooms. The study recommends regular cleaning or replacing curtains to prevent healthcare-associated infections.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateSep 27, 2018

Narrowing sexual health equity gap for Puerto Rican adolescents

A Penn Nursing study found that parents with lower education levels were more likely to access a web-based health program, but still struggled with computer and internet access. The research highlights the need for culturally sensitive digital health resources to address health disparities among Puerto Rican adolescents.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalNursing Research·DateSep 27, 2018

Skin is a battlefield for mutations

Researchers have discovered that mutant skin cells in humans compete with each other for survival, leading to only the fittest mutants progressing to form cancer. This study reveals that normal human skin is more resilient to cancer than previously thought, and can function normally despite a battle between mutated cells.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateSep 27, 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.

A protein prevents plants from premature flowering

Researchers at UNIGE have identified a protein called RUP2 that blocks the effect of UV-B radiation on plant flowering, allowing plants to regulate their growth in response to seasonal changes. This discovery has significant implications for agriculture and our understanding of plant development.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalGenes & Development·DateSep 27, 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.

The brain diet

Researchers found a relationship between high FGF23 levels and structural compromise in the brain, particularly in the frontal lobes, which control learning and complex cognitive functions. Elevated FGF23 levels were also associated with increased disconnection in the brain, indicating problems with brain health in those areas.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 27, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ledumahadi mafube -- South Africa's new jurassic giant

Ledumahadi mafube, a 12-tonne giant plant-eater, was the largest land animal alive when it lived nearly 200 million years ago. The new species' fossil reveals insights into its evolution and geographic history.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 27, 2018

Unusual case of father-to-son HIV transmission reported

A 4-year-old boy was infected with HIV-1 after accidental exposure to the virus through his father's skin blisters during seroconversion, a period of viral replication and immune response. The transmission highlights the importance of understanding HIV transmission in atypical ways.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAIDS Research and Human Retroviruses·DateSep 27, 2018
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Large stretches of coral reefs can be rehabilitated

Researchers found that installing small hexagonal structures called 'spiders' across 5 acres of reef increased live coral cover from less than 10% to over 60%. This cost-effective method has the potential to inform other large-scale coral reef restoration efforts.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalRestoration Ecology·DateSep 27, 2018

Illinois research accurately predicts US end-of-season corn yield

Researchers at the University of Illinois have created a new method to predict US end-of-season corn yields, outperforming the USDA's current estimations. The new system uses a combination of seasonal climate prediction and satellite data for more accurate predictions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateSep 27, 2018

What drove the unusually intense hurricane season in 2017?

A study suggests that a warmer tropical Atlantic and increased greenhouse gas concentrations may have driven the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season. The researchers predict higher numbers of major hurricanes in future seasons, with a continued risk over the Caribbean, US Coast, and northern North Atlantic.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 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.

Vitamin D supplements may promote weight loss in obese children

A study of 232 obese children found that vitamin D supplementation led to significant reductions in body mass index and body fat. This suggests a potential role for vitamin D in reducing the risk of serious health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes, later in life.

SourceEuropean Society for Paediatric Endocrinology·DateSep 27, 2018

The warm glow of kindness is real -- Sussex study confirms

A major study from University of Sussex confirms that acts of kindness activate the brain's reward network, regardless of personal benefit. The research found distinct neural responses to altruistic and strategic kindness, with some areas more active during pure altruism.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalNeuroImage·DateSep 27, 2018

Lidar survey 'compels' revaluation of aspects of ancient Maya society

A lidar survey of over 2,000 square kilometers in northern Guatemala has revalued aspects of ancient Maya society, estimating that up to 11 million people lived in the region during the Late Classic Period. The study also found extensive agricultural modification and networks of roadways connecting distant cities.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 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.

'Bin chicken' plays unique role in story of evolution

A French scientist's discovery of ibis mummies in Egypt led to a pivotal debate on evolution, with naturalist Georges Cuvier opposing Lamarck's emerging ideas. The study highlights the significance of considering dominant personalities' biases in scientific research.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 27, 2018

Smart devices could soon tap their owners as a battery source

Researchers at University of Surrey develop innovative Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs) that capture energy from human movements, wind, and machine vibration. The study provides a step-by-step guide on constructing efficient energy harvesters, paving the way for a future with free and renewable energy.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateSep 27, 2018

Success in the Excellence Competition: Three clusters for TU Dresden

TU Dresden has secured funding for three new Clusters of Excellence, including PoL: Physics of Life, ct.qmat: Complexity and Topology in Quantum Materials, and CeTI: Center for Tactile Internet. This achievement confirms the university's continuous development and commitment to cutting-edge research.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·DateSep 27, 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.

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.

Lack of science support fails Brazil

A catastrophic fire at Brazil's National Museum destroyed biodiversity and cultural artifacts, highlighting the need for improved museum infrastructure. Scientists are now calling on governments to safeguard collections before suffering further losses.

SourceCalifornia Academy of Sciences·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 2018

First-born children more likely to learn about sex from parents

A new study found that first-born children are more likely to report parental involvement in sex education than later-born children. The study also revealed significant gender disparities in parental involvement, with men consistently reporting lower levels of parental engagement.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalSex Education·DateSep 27, 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.

In the battle of cats vs. rats, the rats are winning

Researchers monitored microchipped rats in the presence of feral cats, finding that rats avoided cats and spent more time in burrows, contradicting popular opinion about cat-rat interactions. The study adds to growing evidence that releasing cats to control city rats is outweighed by threats to urban wildlife.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateSep 27, 2018

New gene variants associated with chronic back pain

Researchers have discovered three genetic variants associated with chronic back pain, which may provide clues for understanding its occurrence. The study found that these variants are linked to genes controlling skeletal development and spinal cord function.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateSep 27, 2018

A simple measurement of abdominal obesity

A simple measurement of abdominal obesity index (ABOI) has been developed to determine central obesity, focusing on abdominal fat content rather than total body weight or shape. ABOI can be calculated by measuring abdominal circumference and chest circumference, providing a more accurate assessment of abdominal obesity.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Nutrition Journal·DateSep 27, 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.

New study probes the ancient past of a body plan code

A new study reveals that Hox genes play a role in regulating the body plan of radially symmetrical animals like sea anemones. The research found that disrupting Hox gene function led to defects in segmentation and tentacle patterning, suggesting an ancestral role for these genes in controlling body development.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 2018

New study examines 'strategic retention' of teachers by effective principals

A new study by Vanderbilt University researchers found that highly rated principals use 'strategic retention' to keep high-performing teachers and remove low-performing ones. Effective principals focus on teacher observation scores to identify underperformers, using informal methods such as counseling out.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateSep 27, 2018

Vampire bats found to carry infectious bacteria at high rates

A study found that 67% of vampire bats in Belize and Peru are infected with Bartonella bacteria, which can cause endocarditis. The research suggests transmission may occur through bites or environmental contamination, highlighting the risk of cross-species transmission.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateSep 27, 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.