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Science News Archive September 2018 - Page 35


Page 35 of 37

Novel strategy shows promise for earlier detection of Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have devised a novel strategy to identify people with mild cognitive impairment at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The Loewenstein-Acevedo Scales for Semantic Interference and Learning (LASSI-L) tool measures specific memory deficits that align with imaging findings for abnormal brain amyloid accumulation.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalNeurology·DateSep 4, 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.

Focused delivery for brain cancers

A novel technique developed by Hong Chen uses focused ultrasound to target drug delivery to the brainstem, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. This approach has shown promise in treating diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG), a childhood brain cancer with a five-year survival rate of less than three percent.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateSep 4, 2018

Sexual development in fungi

Researchers have identified KIN3 as a crucial enzyme connecting cellular signalling pathways involved in fungal developmental processes. The study found that mutants lacking this enzyme were sterile and exhibited developmental disorders.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalGenetics·DateSep 4, 2018

Internet & telephone assisted training for child disruptive behavior found to be effective

A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that internet- and telephone-assisted trainings for parents and children with disruptive behavior at age 4 significantly reduced child behavioral problems and increased parental skills. The program showed positive long-term outcomes, i...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateSep 4, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

ACA reduced disparities in health care between Mexican-heritage Latinos and other Latinos

A new study led by UCLA researchers found that the ACA reduced disparities in healthcare between Mexican-heritage Latinos and other Latinos, with a significant increase in health insurance coverage among Mexican-heritage Latinos after implementation of the law's major provisions. However, disparities persist due to legal status, income...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalHealth Affairs·DateSep 4, 2018

Half of over-60s ignore lifesaving bowel cancer screening

Despite the risk of a 25% lower mortality rate, many people aged 60 and above are missing out on lifesaving bowel cancer screening. Inequalities in the system have widened, with those from deprived areas and ethnically diverse neighbourhoods being less likely to participate.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer·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.

Grant aims students toward next-gen bioelectronics

The Rice University graduate-level bioelectronics program aims to develop technologies at the cell/material interface, focusing on light-harvesting systems and implantable devices. The five-year program will train students from various departments to tackle bioelectronics challenges collaboratively.

SourceRice University·DateSep 4, 2018

Common painkiller linked to increased risk of major heart problems

A large-scale study found that diclofenac, a common painkiller, is associated with an increased risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. The study suggests that diclofenac should not be available over the counter and when prescribed, should come with a warning about its potential risks.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateSep 4, 2018

Chromatin structure: Slip-sliding away...

A study published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology reveals that the Arp8 module of the INO80 complex serves as a linker DNA sensor driving chromatin remodelling. This process enables gene expression adaptations by stimulating nucleosome repositioning, which has implications for cancer therapy.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateSep 4, 2018

NASA sees Tropical Storm Florence still feeling the shear

Tropical Storm Florence remains affected by wind shear, with its low-level center displaced southeast of the bulk of the storm. NASA satellite data shows coldest cloud tops at minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating moderate southwesterly shear.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 4, 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.

NASA sees landfall of Tropical Storm Jebi

Tropical Storm Jebi made landfall in southeastern Japan on September 4, with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is transitioning to an extra-tropical system over the Sea of Japan, expanding its wind field.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 4, 2018

New project to improve drugs safety in East Africa

The PROFORMA project aims to strengthen national infrastructures for drugs safety monitoring in four East African countries. The five-year project, funded by EUR 6 million, includes training at Master's and postgraduate level and exchange of knowledge between researchers and experts.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·DateSep 4, 2018

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, September 2018

Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers developed modified atmosphere insulation, a viable solution to improve building energy efficiency. Additionally, scientists created an open source software platform allowing quantum programs to run on multiple quantum computers, revolutionizing modern computing. The lab also made breakthroughs ...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalApplied Energy·DateSep 4, 2018

At last, a simple 3D printer for metal

Researchers have developed a new approach to 3D printing metals, using metallic glasses, which can produce solid, high-strength metal components with minimal processing. The technique eliminates the need for expensive and complicated support structures, making it more practical and commercially viable than current methods.

SourceElsevier·JournalMaterials Today·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.

Little star sheds light on young planets

Astronomers have found a dense disk of material surrounding a young star, which may be the precursor to a planetary system. The discovery could revolutionize models of solar system formation and provide insights into our own cosmic neighborhood.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateSep 4, 2018

Watching an embryo's neural tube close

Researchers aim to explore treatment for birth defects like spina bifida and anencephaly by studying how the neural tube closes, with $3.2 million from the NIH. A hybrid microscope combining Brillouin spectroscopy and OCT will help understand mechanical properties controlling neural tube closure in developing embryos.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateSep 4, 2018

New approach could help improve severe-storm forecasting

A new approach using a geostationary hyperspectral infrared sounder can significantly improve local severe-storm forecasting by providing high-resolution atmospheric temperature and humidity information. This unprecedented data is crucial for nowcasting and forecasting high-impact weather events.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateSep 4, 2018

$3 million grant will fund new 3D map of brain's blood vessels

Researchers will use mice to create detailed maps of young and aging brains' blood vessels, hoping to understand healthy brain development and disease progression. The project aims to lay the groundwork for studying pathological conditions like strokes and Alzheimer's disease.

SourcePenn State·DateSep 4, 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.

Measuring the nanoworld

A global study standardizes FRET measurement technology to pinpoint molecular distances at the nanoscale. This breakthrough enhances understanding of molecular machines and processes that underpin life.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Methods·DateSep 4, 2018

Study finds you act most like 'you' in a time crunch

A new study found that when people don't have much time to make a decision, they tend to rely on their existing bias towards being selfish or pro-social. However, when given more time, participants are more likely to override their bias and choose a more altruistic option.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 4, 2018

'What is not just a thing': an alternative inquiry into 'what is life'

Researchers introduce concept of 'live' process emerging from interactions between molecules and environment, identifying earliest hallmark of life. They suggest this process could lead to emergence of complex living organisms with characteristics currently known.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateSep 4, 2018

Dementia symptoms peak in winter and spring, study finds

Adults with and without Alzheimer's disease show better cognition skills in late summer and early fall than in winter and spring, equivalent to a 4.8-year difference in age-related decline. The odds of mild cognitive impairment or dementia were also higher in winter and spring.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·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.

AI beats doctors at predicting heart disease deaths

A new AI model has been developed that can predict the risk of death in patients with heart disease more accurately than medical experts. The model was trained on electronic health data from over 80,000 patients and identified new variables that doctors hadn't considered.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 4, 2018

Effective TB, HIV, malaria vaccines missing from pipeline

A study analyzing 538 vaccine candidates found that only about 128 are likely to reach the market, with many critical products lacking. The researchers estimate it would cost $16.3 billion to move current candidates through the pipeline, highlighting the need for increased investment and innovative approaches.

SourceDuke University·JournalGates Open Research·DateSep 4, 2018

Fredriksen-Goldsen earns GSA's 2018 Maxwell A. Pollack Award for Productive Aging

Karen Fredriksen-Goldsen, PhD, has been awarded the 2018 Maxwell A. Pollack Award for Productive Aging by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) in recognition of her work on translating research into practical application and policy. She is a leading scholar addressing equity and aging disparities in marginalized communities.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateSep 4, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

New clues found to understanding relapse in breast cancer

A large genomic analysis has linked certain DNA mutations to a high risk of relapse in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer, while other mutations were associated with better outcomes. The study identified three genes - DDR1, PIK3R1 and NF1 - with relatively uncommon mutations that were associated with cancer recurrence and spreading.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 4, 2018

Discovery: Mechanical properties of viral DNA determine the course of infection

A new study reveals that the mechanical properties of viral DNA govern the direction of infection, with synchronous and random infections differing in their DNA's stiffness. Temperature and stress levels influence this process, with heat making DNA more flexible and potentially leading to lytic events.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·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.

Urgent care visits increase as emergency room visits fall

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine finds that urgent care visits have increased significantly while emergency room visits for low-acuity conditions have decreased by 36 percent between 2008 and 2015. The growth of urgent care centers is attributed to their convenience, shorter wait times, and lower costs.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 4, 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.

Overall burden of tumor genome changes can predict patient outcomes

A new study published in eLife suggests that the overall burden of changes in a tumor's genome can predict patient outcomes across various cancer types. Researchers found that the percentage of altered genes in a tumor, known as CNA burden, is associated with mortality and disease-free survival in multiple cancers.

SourceeLife·DateSep 4, 2018
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Body clock link to steroids discovered

Research by University of Manchester scientists found that genes regulating lungs and liver function change with the day-night cycle, impacting steroid side effects. Removing a specific molecule, Reverbα, altered gene expression and showed protective effects against fatty liver buildup.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 4, 2018

Study provides 10-year risk estimates for dementia, which may help with prevention in high-risk individuals who potentially could benefit from early targeted prevention

A Danish study has estimated 10-year absolute risk of dementia by age, sex and common APOE gene variation, identifying high-risk individuals who may benefit from early preventive interventions. The research found that a combination of these factors could lead to a 7-24% risk of developing dementia by age 80.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 4, 2018

Seven steps to success and what's holding women back: Study

A study by international female scientists found that women represent 30% of the CGE community but only 15-18% in prestigious roles. The researchers identified common barriers including gender stereotyping, the 'maternal wall', microaggressions, and harassment, which can hold women back in their careers.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPalgrave Communications·DateSep 4, 2018

Giving tortoises a 'head start'

Researchers at the University of Georgia have discovered that raising tortoises in captivity and releasing them into a protected habitat can significantly boost wild populations. The study found that 70% of head-started tortoises were still alive after one year, with strong site fidelity allowing them to reproduce.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateSep 4, 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.

Gestational diabetes may predispose to postpartum depression symptoms

Mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus are at higher risk of developing postpartum depression symptoms, which affect 10-15% of new mothers. A Finnish study found that 16% of mothers with GDM experienced postpartum depression symptoms, compared to 9% without GDM.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateSep 4, 2018

Hormone therapy can make prostate cancer worse, study finds

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center discovered how hormone therapy can cause prostate cancer to spread by transforming some cancer cells into aggressive neuroendocrine cancer-type cells. A potential simple blood test may help predict when this type of therapy resistance will occur, according to the study.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 4, 2018

Knowledge of African-American language and culture benefits teachers in STEM fields

A recent study by Christine Mallinson and Anne H. Charity Hudley suggests that K-12 STEM educators who are aware of linguistic issues can better support African-American students. The authors recommend developing cultural and linguistic competencies through partnerships with local linguists and using linguistic insight to invite studen...

SourceLinguistic Society of America·JournalLanguage·DateSep 4, 2018

Lessons from Everest's Sherpas could aid intensive care treatment

Sherpas' unique physiological adaptations to high altitude may help improve oxygen delivery in critically ill patients. By increasing blood flow and delivering oxygen to tissues, Sherpas thrive at low oxygen environments, offering a potential alternative to traditional high oxygen content strategies.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalExperimental Physiology·DateSep 4, 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.

Antioxidant reduces risk for second heart attack, stroke

Researchers found that an antioxidant called apocynin can cut plaque buildup in half and lower inflammation to pre-attack levels. This treatment could help reduce the risk of a second heart attack or stroke, particularly in mice that have experienced a first attack or stroke.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 4, 2018