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Science News Archive September 2018 - Page 6


Page 6 of 37

Understanding antibiotic resistance in patients with cystic fibrosis

Researchers found that multidrug-resistant bacteria in CF patients' airways are associated with lower microbial diversity and more aggressive disease. The study suggests that judicious use of antibiotics is crucial to help patients live longer, but new methods can help target infectious bacteria selectively.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalHeliyon·DateSep 26, 2018

In clinical trials, new antibody therapy controls HIV for months after treatment

Researchers have developed a novel immunotherapy that can suppress HIV for months at a time, using a combination of two anti-HIV antibodies. The treatment, called broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs), has shown promising results in clinical trials, with some patients experiencing sustained viral suppression for over four months.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateSep 26, 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.

Tracking hydrogen movement using subatomic particles

A Japanese collaboration has successfully tracked hydrogen movement in solids using negative muons, a technique that could aid the development of hydrogen storage materials. By detecting local nuclear magnetic fields, researchers were able to study the dynamics of light elements in a solid from the fixed point of the nucleus.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 26, 2018

Clear the air

A University of Utah engineering study shows that smart controllers for home heating and cooling systems can clean pollution with minimal additional energy costs. The 'SmartAir' setting, which turns on the HVAC fan based on both temperature and air quality, cleaned the air almost as well as continuous operation but used 58% less energy.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateSep 26, 2018

Bureau of Reclamation funds Upper Missouri River pallid sturgeon study

The Bureau of Reclamation is supporting a six-year study to assess the impact of its projects on endangered pallid sturgeon in the upper Missouri River. The study aims to preserve the species and potentially lead to its downlisting, with data gathering focused on reproduction conditions and habitat analysis.

SourceBureau of Reclamation·DateSep 26, 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.

Being older helps skin heal with less scarring, and now researchers know why

A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers identified a rare example where being older improves tissue function, leading to reduced scar formation. The key factor is a compound called stromal cell-derived-factor-1 (SDF1), which is secreted in the bloodstream and is more abundant in younger individuals.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 26, 2018

New plants on the block: Taller species are taking over in a warming Arctic

A study by researchers from Germany found that taller plant species have taken over the Arctic tundra in recent decades, with a significant increase in plant height observed over the past three decades. Climate warming is believed to be the underlying cause of this shift.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature·DateSep 26, 2018

Plant genetic resources ensure ag's future

The importance of plant genetic resources cannot be overstated, as they provide the building blocks for crop breeding and research. Crop wild relatives, in particular, offer valuable traits like drought tolerance that can help ensure global food security.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateSep 26, 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.

Limiting children's recreational screen time to less than 2 hours a day linked to better cognition

An observational study of over 4,500 US children aged 8-11 found that limiting recreational screen time to less than two hours a day is associated with improved cognition. Half of the children met only one guideline, while those who met all three (sleep, screen time, and physical activity) had better cognitive development.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateSep 26, 2018

Tiger mosquitoes are capable of transmitting yellow fever

A recent study by scientists at the Institut Pasteur has demonstrated that tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus) can transmit the yellow fever virus. The research found that the virus can adapt to this species, which is widely present in urban and forest areas, posing a major public health threat.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 26, 2018

Study shows importance of personal social networks on neurological outcomes

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers found that people's social networks have a strong association with their reported neurological disability. The team developed a social network assessment tool, which found that unhealthy habits of those around an individual can significantly impact their health outcomes.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 26, 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.

Researchers map susceptibility to man-made earthquakes

Researchers developed a model to forecast man-made earthquake activity in Oklahoma and Kansas, incorporating earthquake physics and wastewater injection data. The model predicts a 32% probability of potentially damaging earthquakes in 2018, decreasing to 19% by 2020.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 26, 2018

Beyond skin deep: understanding disparities in dermatology services

A new study found significant disparities in the use of outpatient dermatology services among different ethnic groups and socioeconomic statuses. Patients with lower incomes and education levels were less likely to receive care, while those with higher incomes and education levels had better access to specialized services.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateSep 26, 2018

Quantum science funding flows into Argonne

The U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory will receive over $11 million in funding for four major projects focused on quantum information science. These studies aim to develop new computing and sensing technologies, including the creation and manipulation of quantum bits and the study of quantum entanglement.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateSep 26, 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.

Psychologists define the 'dark core of personality'

Research reveals that all dark personality traits can be traced back to a single tendency: placing one's own goals and interests over others. The D-factor is the general tendency to maximize utility while disregarding disutility for others.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalPsychological Review·DateSep 26, 2018

Science learns from its mistakes too

A mathematical model by BfR reveals that publishing all studies, regardless of results, accelerates knowledge acquisition and reduces unnecessary follow-up studies. Using more test animals in a single experiment increases the likelihood of achieving correct and reproducible results.

SourceBfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 26, 2018

A mechanism of color pattern formation in ladybird beetles

A study on Asian ladybird beetles reveals a single gene, pannier, that regulates diverse color patterns. The gene's expression affects black and red pigmentation in the forewing, driving morphological evolution.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 26, 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.

Researchers discover molecule involved in the repair of liver wounds

A new study reveals that CD26/DPP-4 is a key player in the regeneration of acute liver wounds and may serve as a valuable biomarker for detecting hepatic disease. The molecule's enzymatic activity was shown to increase with reduced liver immune cell population, suggesting its potential use in non-invasive diagnosis.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalHepatology Communications·DateSep 26, 2018

UM researcher lands $1.5 million grant to study small-farmer land use

A UM Associate Professor is awarded a $1.45 million grant to study interactions between climate, water availability and land-use decisions made by small farmers in the US and Brazil. The research aims to understand the dynamic feedbacks between production choices, regional climate and water variability.

SourceThe University of Montana·DateSep 26, 2018

A self-powered heart monitor taped to the skin

Researchers at RIKEN developed a self-powered heart monitor that can be taped to the skin, utilizing sunlight as a power source. The device achieves high photo-conversion efficiency and demonstrates accurate heartbeat detection in both rats and humans under various lighting conditions.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateSep 26, 2018

Study demonstrates new mechanism for developing electronic devices

Researchers at OIST have discovered a new method to manipulate electrons on the nanometer scale using light. By inducing electric fields on material surfaces, they can control electron flow within specific areas, potentially leading to faster and better functioning devices.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 26, 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.

UTA study shows location makes or breaks many forms of public housing

A UTA study reveals that location significantly affects the affordability of public housing in the DFW region. Housing programs are found to be unaffordable for households due to high transportation costs, which can exceed 15% of their budget.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateSep 25, 2018

Mass. General study analyzes numbers, trends in health care data breaches nationwide

A Massachusetts General Hospital study found that health plans and network servers were the sources of the highest number of breached patient records, with breaches involving health plans accounting for 63% of all breached records. The study analyzed data breaches from 2010 to 2017 and found that the greatest number of patient records ...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateSep 25, 2018

Two studies describe improved approach to bone marrow transplant

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center describe a new method to improve the bone marrow transplant process, utilizing CASIN to mobilize higher quality donor HSCs and condition transplant recipients. This approach has potential to reduce toxicity and increase engraftment efficiency for vulnerable patients.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalLeukemia·DateSep 25, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New Tourette disorder genes come to light

Researchers have discovered new genetic mutations associated with Tourette Disorder, which may disrupt cell polarity and lead to chronic vocal and motor tics. The study's findings provide a deeper understanding of the condition and offer potential insights for developing improved treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateSep 25, 2018

Fuels without fossils

Researchers at UD are developing a solar-driven carbon dioxide utilization technology to produce chemicals and fuels without using fossil sources. The system aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing carbon-neutral solar electricity.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateSep 25, 2018

Schoolyard tree cover predicts math performance in high-poverty urban schools

A new study from the University of Illinois suggests that school greening could be a solution to improving academic performance in disadvantaged schools. The research found that schoolyard tree cover positively predicted math scores, with more trees leading to better performance, while grass had no impact on learning.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateSep 25, 2018

Diversity in the brain -- how millions of neurons become unique

A mathematic model developed by researchers at the University of Basel's Biozentrum demonstrates how different variants of genes enable random diversity in neurons. This diversity is achieved by combining isoforms in a way that results in precise and exclusive neuron function.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 25, 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.

OHSU discovers molecular channel that regulates blood pressure

Researchers at OHSU have discovered the three-dimensional structure of a membrane channel critical in controlling blood pressure. The breakthrough provides a starting point for developing better treatments for diseases associated with this channel, including severe hypertension and heart failure.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateSep 25, 2018

Study finds that enzymes 'partner up' to accelerate cancer, aging diseases

Researchers at Indiana University have identified two enzymes that combine to speed up telomere growth, potentially leading to new ways to treat cancer and premature aging disorders. The study sheds light on the role of helicases in telomere maintenance and may lead to the development of new therapies.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 25, 2018

Immune cell pruning of dopamine receptors may modulate behavioral changes in adolescence

Researchers at MassGeneral Hospital for Children found that microglia play a crucial role in shaping behavior during adolescence, with different effects in males and females. The study suggests that this process could improve understanding of normal behavioral changes and neuropsychiatric disorders that emerge during adolescence.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 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.

Researchers seek vaccine for 'traveler's diarrhea'

A new study has identified a key factor in how Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) causes disease, giving scientists hope for a preventive vaccine. The researchers discovered that ETEC can sense oxygen levels to control toxin production, leading to breakthroughs in understanding the bacteria's virulence.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 25, 2018

Study: Antibiotics destroy immune cells and worsen oral infection

Researchers found that antibiotics kill beneficial bacteria, preventing them from controlling infection and inflammation in the mouth. The study suggests that overuse of antibiotics can have devastating effects on overall health, including oral conditions.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateSep 25, 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.

Tumor cell expansion challenges current physics

Researchers develop new theory to explain how tumors spread, revealing competition between forces that shape their growth. The 'active wetting' model suggests tumors behave like active drops, with cells creating forces and moving on their own.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 25, 2018

New Zealand children's medicine prescriptions examined for first time

A study examining prescription medicines in New Zealand children found significant increases in antibiotic and pain relief use, but also decreases in systemic antibiotics. The research highlights the importance of educational campaigns and monitoring to ensure safe prescribing practices.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPediatric Drugs·DateSep 25, 2018
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Lung inflammation from childhood asthma linked with later anxiety

A new study by Penn State researchers found that childhood exposure to allergens can lead to persistent lung inflammation, which may contribute to the development of anxiety later in life. The study also found that episodes of labored breathing were associated with short-term anxiety.

SourcePenn State·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateSep 25, 2018

Who believes in conspiracies? New research offers a theory

New research by Josh Hart suggests that people with suspicious, untrusting, and eccentric personalities are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories. The study found that these individuals tend to be more receptive to meaningful patterns where none exist and have a tendency to detect hidden forces at play.

SourceUnion College·JournalJournal of Individual Differences·DateSep 25, 2018

CT technique expands possibilities of imaging ancient remains

A Swedish study has successfully imaged the soft tissue of an ancient Egyptian mummy's hand using a novel CT technique called phase-contrast imaging. This technique enhances contrast and allows for detailed analysis of soft tissues, opening up new opportunities for paleopathology research.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateSep 25, 2018

Promising novel treatment against Alzheimer's disease

A novel drug has reversed memory deficits and stopped Alzheimer disease pathology in an animal model, with proven non-toxicity for humans. The drug targets the Caspase-1/Caspase-6 neurodegenerative pathway, a significant breakthrough in treating age-related memory loss.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2018

Invasive snakes 'hitchhiking' on planes

A team of scientists discovered why brown tree snakes have become successful invasive species by studying their toxin and biology. The snakes' venom is 100 times more toxic to birds than mammals and was responsible for devastating native bird populations on Guam.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJournal of Molecular Evolution·DateSep 25, 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.

Racial and ethnic bias leads to lower well-being among adolescents

Researchers analyzed 214 studies on 91,338 adolescents to find that racial and ethnic discrimination influences all aspects of daily life and well-being. Discrimination is linked to poorer mental health, lower academic achievement, and more negative behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateSep 25, 2018

The gods of small things

Researchers at the Technical University of Munich have created a heterometallic copper-aluminum superatom that exhibits atomic properties. The discovery paves the way for the development of new, cost-effective catalysts for various chemical processes.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 25, 2018

New way of determining treatment for staph infections cuts antibiotic use

A new clinical algorithm has been developed to identify eligible patients with uncomplicated staphylococcal bloodstream infections who can take antibiotics for fewer days. This reduction in antibiotic duration is significant and could help reduce antibiotic resistance on a broader scale, benefiting individual patients and public health.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateSep 25, 2018

The crazy dance of falling knots

Researchers studied knotted steel chains in a viscous fluid, reproducing Kelvin's vortex atoms. The chains formed stable, toroidal structures with intertwined loops that swirled around each other.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 25, 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.

Oxygen vs. nanochip

Scientists at NUST MISIS discover that molybdenum disulfide, a promising basis for ultra-small electronic devices, degrades in air due to spontaneous oxidation. However, they also found that the material can be transformed into a solid solution MoS2-xOx, which is an effective catalyst for electromechanical processes.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 25, 2018