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Science News Archive September 2018 - Page 34


Page 34 of 37

New UNH research aims to help humans survive dehydration

A new study led by UNH researcher Matthew MacManes is exploring how tiny desert rodents adapt to dehydration, with the goal of developing strategies for humans. The research focuses on understanding the physiology and genomics of cactus mice in the field and lab, with an emphasis on electrolytes, urine concentrations, and kidney function.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·DateSep 5, 2018

It is all about the distribution

Researchers developed a three-dimensional model to estimate usable wind energy and found that repowering old plants with larger ones increases yields by several hundred percent. The study suggests that this approach can significantly reduce the cost of generating electricity comparable to brown coal.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalEnergy Conversion and Management·DateSep 5, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NIH grant will aid research in preventing kidney failure

The NIH grant will aid research in understanding how to prevent kidney damage and failure caused by type 2 diabetes. Tubular epithelial cells play a crucial role in kidney function and require high amounts of lipids and fatty acids to work correctly, but people with type 2 diabetes have lipid metabolism derailments.

SourceLouisiana State University·DateSep 5, 2018

Clinical trial testing topical cream plus influenza vaccine in progress

A Phase 1 clinical trial is underway to evaluate the immune-boosting properties of imiquimod cream in combination with an H5N1 influenza vaccine. The study aims to enhance the immune response conferred by the pre-pandemic vaccine, potentially reducing the number of doses required to achieve sufficient immunity.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateSep 5, 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.

DNA-based method detects trace amounts of peanut in foods

Researchers have developed a sensitive new test to detect trace amounts of peanuts in foods using the peanuts' DNA. The new assay targets DNA from peanut chloroplasts, resulting in a detection limit of about 1 part per million.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 5, 2018

Syracuse researchers shine light on ancient global warming

Researchers analyzed ancient marine sediment for effects of Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum on shallow-water communities. The study found that biodiversity loss and ecological restructuring were minor impacts, but some organisms adapted to low-oxygen conditions through microbial symbiosis.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 5, 2018

Shorter life expectancy linked to 2016 presidential election outcome

A study found a significant correlation between Republican gains in counties and increased death rates from alcohol, drugs, and suicide. Life expectancy was also linked to voting patterns, suggesting that health disparities may have influenced the election outcome.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateSep 5, 2018

Enhancing immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy using treatment combination

Researchers found a combination treatment combining a CK2 inhibitor with an immune checkpoint inhibitor dramatically increased antitumor activity, eliminating over 60% of tumors in mouse models. The study suggests manipulating the tumor microenvironment may improve clinical outcomes for cancer patients.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 5, 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.

Simple nerve stimulation may improve sexual response in women

A pilot study found that transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation improved arousal, lubrication, and orgasm in women with female sexual dysfunction. Eight out of nine participants reported significant improvements, comparable to or greater than prior studies of different treatments for FSD.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNeuromodulation Technology at the Neural Interface·DateSep 5, 2018

Australian fur seal pup population is shrinking

A long-term monitoring program for Australian fur seals has tracked a decline in pup populations, with the first reduction since species-wide protection was implemented in 1975. The study highlights the importance of regularly assessing monitoring programs and provides valuable information on how to improve them.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 5, 2018

NSF awards UTIA faculty grant to study fungal pathogen of amphibians

A team led by UTIA faculty members will study the epidemiology of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, a fungus causing salamander population declines in Europe. The research aims to find ways to combat the fungus and has significant implications for US wildlife health.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateSep 5, 2018

Inter Faculty, vol. 8

This Inter Faculty volume delves into the importance of engagement in human sciences, discussing identity, linguistic concepts, and ethical interpretation. Research papers explore topics such as maintaining national minority rights, grammatical gender in Japanese and Ancient Greek languages, and Confucian ethics.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·DateSep 5, 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.

Reducing nitrogen inputs prevents algal blooms in lakes

Long-term data analysis shows decreasing nitrogen inputs decrease algal blooms and increase water clarity in Lake Müggelsee. Blue-green algae do not rely on atmospheric nitrogen to sustain themselves.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateSep 4, 2018

Episodic and intense rain caused by ancient global warming

A new study by University of Bristol scientists reveals that ancient global warming was associated with more intense and episodic rainfall events. The Palaeocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum showed increased rainfall in some areas, decreased in others, but a significant increase in extreme event frequency.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateSep 4, 2018

More hospital doctors are opting to retire early

Hospital doctors in England and Wales are taking early retirement, with a significant increase in NHS pension claims due to ill health or voluntary early retirement. The data shows a 22% rise in total doctor pensions claimed between 2008 and 2018, with more doctors opting for early retirement on health grounds.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateSep 4, 2018

Think pink for a better view of climate change

Researchers found pink noise energy signatures in historical climate proxy data before and after the Industrial Revolution, suggesting a possible link between pink noise and Earth's climate dynamics. The study's findings could have implications for understanding 'resonances' that couple and amplify warming processes.

SourceYale University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 4, 2018

The Mona Lisa decrypted

Dr. Mandeep R. Mehra proposes a novel explanation for the Mona Lisa's smile and facial features, attributing them to clinical hypothyroidism. The theory is supported by visible signs of thyroid dysfunction in the painting, including thinning hair and yellow skin.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateSep 4, 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.

Clown fish: Whence the white stripes?

Researchers found that clown fish stripes are essential for individual recognition and critical to their social organization among sea anemones. They also discovered the evolutionary history of striped patterns, which originated from a common ancestor with three stripes.

SourceCNRS·JournalBMC Biology·DateSep 4, 2018

New technology improves hydrogen manufacturing

Researchers developed a ceramic steam electrode that self-assembles for high-performance electrochemical hydrogen production below 600o C. This breakthrough enables efficient hydrogen production using only water and electricity.

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Science·DateSep 4, 2018

Exercise is unrelated to risk of early menopause

A large prospective study of over 107,000 women found no association between physical activity and the risk of early natural menopause. The study, published in Human Reproduction, analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study II and found that exercise was not significantly linked to a lower or higher risk of menopause before age 45.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateSep 4, 2018

The gens isiaca in Hispania: Egyptian gods in Roman Spain

The gens isiaca database provides groundbreaking information on Egyptian gods in Roman Hispania, tripling the number of registered pieces. The geo-location feature allows for abnormal distributions to be observed and facilitates research on cultural change and ritual re-appropriation.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·DateSep 4, 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.

S, N co-doped carbon nanotube-encapsulated CoS2@Co

Researchers developed a new type of hydrogen production catalyst with low cost, high catalytic activity, and high stability. The S, N co-doped carbon nanotube-encapsulated CoS2@Co composite exhibits excellent electrocatalytic properties, including rapid water dissociation under various operating currents.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateSep 4, 2018

Zika virus study reveals possible causes of brain pathology

A recent study reveals that Zika virus proteins bind to cellular proteins essential for neural development, leading to brain damage and microcephaly. The research identifies specific viral factors responsible for the condition, offering new insights into the virus's mechanism of action.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·DateSep 4, 2018

No evidence that moral reminders reduce cheating behavior, replication effort concludes

A replication effort of a 2008 study found no evidence that making a list of the Ten Commandments reduces cheating behavior. The original study suggested that people are less likely to cheat after thinking about moral reminders, but the new findings contradict this result. Despite using large sample sizes and following the same protoco...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalAdvances in Methods and Practices in Psychological Science·DateSep 4, 2018

Attention network plays key role in restoring vision after brain damage

A new study published in Clinical Neurophysiology found that attention plays a key role in restoring vision in patients with hemianopia, a condition where half of the visual field is impaired. After five weeks of vision rehabilitation training, patients showed significant improvements in their visual function.

SourceUniversitätsklinikum A.ö.R., Institute for Medical Psychology·JournalClinical Neurophysiology·DateSep 4, 2018

Ultracold atoms used to verify 1963 prediction about 1D electrons

Researchers used ultracold lithium atoms to verify a theory predicting collective behavior in one-dimensional wires. The study confirmed the predicted speed of charge waves and spin waves as a function of interaction strength, setting the stage for further investigation into strongly correlated electron physics.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 4, 2018
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Alpine ecosystems struggle to recover from nitrogen deposition

A new study finds that alpine ecosystems take decades to recover from high levels of nitrogen air pollution, with soil acidification and biodiversity lingering long after emission rates decrease. Researchers used a 12-year field experiment to test the extent to which ecosystems can reverse the effects of nitrogen deposition.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEcological Applications·DateSep 4, 2018

Fossil teeth show how Jurassic reptiles adapted to changing seas

A study of fossilized teeth shows that marine predators thrived as sea levels rose during the Jurassic Period, while species in shallower waters declined. The research also found that the food chain structure beneath the sea has remained largely unchanged since the Jurassic era.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 4, 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.

Why we stick to false beliefs: Feedback trumps hard evidence

A recent study published in Open Mind suggests that people's sense of certainty is boosted by feedback rather than hard evidence when learning new things or trying to tell right from wrong. This cognitive dynamic can lead to the reinforcement of false beliefs and limit intellectual horizons.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalOpen Mind·DateSep 4, 2018

Colorectal cancer: Tipping the scales

A new study reveals that c-MYC induces the production of a transcription factor, increasing the numbers of stem cells in the intestinal epithelium and contributing to adenoma formation. The loss of Ap4 protein leads to reduced tumors and longer survival, indicating its role in controlling intestinal homeostasis.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 4, 2018

Mechanism of biological noise cancellation revealed

Researchers at Kanazawa University discovered a biochemical signaling pathway that cancels out biological noise in the differentiation process of neural stem cells. The JAK/STAT pathway reduces stochastic neuroblast differentiation, contributing to correct organismal development.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 4, 2018

Jumping to scientific conclusions challenges biomedical research

A survey of researchers found that scientists of all career stages are prone to jumping to conclusions when interpreting data, similar to undergraduates. Conducting a 'premortem' before new experiments can help identify potential pitfalls and encourage more thoughtful decision-making.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateSep 4, 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.

Concussions loosen insulation around brain cells

Researchers detected myelin loosening in concussed athletes two weeks after injury, even though they felt fine. This can slow signal transmission between brain cells and may lead to long-term damage.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·DateSep 4, 2018

High precision microbial population dynamics under cycles of feast and famine

Researchers use automated systems to collect around-the-clock data on bacterial populations, finding that more frequent feast cycles lead to faster recovery from famine states. The team uncovers the mechanism behind this phenomenon, attributing it to dispersal of cells during feast conditions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 4, 2018

Cheaper, easier access to fruits and veggies key to college students eating better

A survey of 175 college students found that increasing access to affordable produce can encourage healthy eating habits. Students noted the importance of vending machines selling produce, improved cafeteria meal options, and emotional shifts in decision-making to sustain a balanced diet.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateSep 4, 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.

NYIT receives NSF grant, aims to strengthen regional STEM innovation

NYIT has secured a $426,621 NSF grant for a micro-computed tomography machine to enhance research in the greater New York metropolitan scientific community. The machine will aid in strengthening interdisciplinary research in biology, paleontology, nanotechnology, engineering, and life sciences.

SourceNew York Institute of Technology·DateSep 4, 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.

Methane to syngas catalyst: two for the price of one

Hokkaido University researchers have created an improved catalyst for the conversion of methane gas into syngas, overcoming challenges faced by previous studies. The new catalyst successfully generates syngas at a lower temperature than conventional methods, making it more efficient and cost-effective.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateSep 4, 2018

BPS announces 2019 Society Fellows

The Biophysical Society has honored 10 distinguished members as 2019 Society Fellows for their groundbreaking work on cytoskeleton filaments, protein folding, single-molecule methods, and cellular dynamics. These individuals have made significant contributions to the field of biophysics.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateSep 4, 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.

How much insects eat

A new study reveals that climate change is driving an increase in insect herbivory damage on plants, with warmer winters and urbanization having opposing effects. The research used herbarium specimens to track changes in insect damage over more than a century, providing valuable insights into the impact of climate change.

SourceHarvard University·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateSep 4, 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.

The brain's tiny thrill-seekers

Researchers at Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine found significant differences in male and female mice microglia structure and function. Male microglia are more active and respond differently to injury, but may also be less protected against environmental insults.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 4, 2018

Coastal strip in Brazil sheds new light on early farming

A new study reveals that humans may have cultivated plants as far back as 4,800 years ago in Southern Brazil. The analysis of ancient human remains found teeth and bones rich in carbohydrates, suggesting a diet rich in cultivated yams and sweet potatoes.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateSep 4, 2018

Tilted pulses

Researchers from Konstanz and Munich have successfully directed and controlled ultrashort electron pulses using laser light cycles, enabling precise material studies in the femtosecond and attosecond range. This achievement has significant implications for ultrafast materials research and the production of intense X-ray flashes.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 4, 2018