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Science News Archive September 2018 - Page 7


Page 7 of 37

Adoption of green stormwater infrastructure rises after floods

Researchers found that residents and property owners are more likely to adopt green stormwater infrastructure practices if they have experienced flooding or erosion. The study suggests a flexible approach to encourage effective stewardship of these practices across diverse populations and landscapes.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateSep 25, 2018

Brigatinib becomes potential new first-line option for ALK-positive non-small lung cancer

The ALTA-1 trial found brigatinib to be a first-line treatment option for advanced ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer, with a 51% reduction in progression or death risk compared to crizotinib. Patients treated with brigatinib also showed improved response rates and longer progression-free survival.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 25, 2018

What do ducks hear?

Researchers are testing pinger systems to deter diving ducks from gill nets, a major threat to sea bird populations. The study aims to determine the optimal frequency for these devices, which could save hundreds of thousands of birds annually.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateSep 25, 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.

To be or not to be a white blood cell, that is the question

Researchers discovered a mechanism that determines whether immature blood cells differentiate into red or subtypes of white blood cells. The study found that repression of Bach factors contributes to the development of anemia of infection/inflammation, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for treating bone marrow and blood disord...

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Immunology·DateSep 25, 2018

No longer whistling in the dark: Scientists uncover source of perplexing waves

Researchers identified tail electrons as the source of whistler waves, which help satellites determine their location in space. The discovery marks a new methodology for measuring wave propagation in reconnection, indicating that whistler waves are generated near active X-lines.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·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.

Seasonal reservoir filling in India deforms rock, may trigger earthquakes

Researchers in India used GPS and satellite data to track crustal deformation around reservoirs, finding that seasonal filling can reduce the strength of nearby faults and trigger earthquakes. Even small reservoirs can cause significant deformation capable of triggering an earthquake if there are critically stressed faults in the region.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateSep 25, 2018

Genome duplication drives evolution of species

Researchers have confirmed that genome duplication drives the evolution of polyploid plant species, such as Arabidopsis kamchatica. The study found that the double genome allows for advantageous genetic mutations and increased adaptability to environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2018

Super Typhoon Trami's rainfall examined by NASA/JAXA's GPM satellite

The Global Precipitation Measurement mission provided an analysis of super typhoon Trami's heavy rainfall, including rates of over 120 mm per hour within intense storms. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center used GPM data to evaluate the storm's eyewall replacement cycle and predict its future movement.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 25, 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.

Why industry influence on research agendas must be addressed

A University of Sydney review of corporate influence on research agendas reveals industry prioritization of profitable product-focused research, compromising public health policies. The study also exposes Coca-Cola's attempts to shift attention from sugar-sweetened beverages to sedentary behavior.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateSep 25, 2018

Cocoa: a tasty source of vitamin D?

Researchers have identified cocoa as a new source of vitamin D2, found in higher amounts in dark chocolate. Vitamin D2 is crucial for the human body and can be obtained through food sources, reducing the risk of deficiencies.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalFood Chemistry·DateSep 25, 2018

UN prioritizes tuberculosis prevention in high-risk occupations

The UN is calling for the establishment of prevention programs to reduce tuberculosis among miners and others exposed to silica dust. Implementing primary prevention in high-risk occupations can prevent 300,000 new cases annually with improved ventilation, water spray misting, and personal protective equipment.

SourceOK International·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateSep 25, 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.

Better water purification methods are aim of new research center

The Center for Materials for Water and Energy Systems (M-WET) will develop next-generation polymer membrane-based water purification technologies to tackle complex waters in energy production, reuse, and industrial applications. Researchers aim to address fundamental science knowledge gaps and overcome fouling challenges.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateSep 25, 2018

UCI researchers identify new cause of brain bleeds

A UCI research team found that brain endothelial cells can engulf and deposit red blood cells outside of blood vessels without a blood vessel tear. This discovery could lead to new efforts to eliminate brain bleeding and its consequences.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalFrontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·DateSep 25, 2018

20 journalists from across US awarded aging-focused fellowships

The Gerontological Society of America has selected 20 reporters to produce in-depth aging-focused stories, covering topics such as retirement security and immigration policies. The fellows will have access to expert attendees and researchers at the GSA's annual scientific meeting.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateSep 25, 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.

Study shows value of breast cancer patients seeking second opinions

A study by Medical University of South Carolina found that breast cancer patients who received a second opinion at an NCI-designated center experienced a significant change in diagnosis, with 43% of cases altered. The review by a multidisciplinary tumor board led to the identification of additional cancers in 16 patients and changes in...

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology·DateSep 25, 2018

Climate change not main driver of amphibian decline

Research analyzed data from 500,000 observations at 5,000 sites in North America to find the main cause of amphibian decline. The study found that 3.4% of species are disappearing annually, with declines occurring since the 19th century.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 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.

Innovative study assessing SSI incidence represents the first of its kind

The study found higher American Society of Anesthesiologist scores, longer surgical procedure time, and contaminated wounds were associated with higher SSI occurrence. Hospitals with Magnet designation had 40% lower odds for SSIs after adjusting for other hospital characteristics.

SourceSeaCrest Company·JournalJONA The Journal of Nursing Administration·DateSep 25, 2018

Identical driver gene mutations found in metastatic cancers

Researchers discovered that driver gene mutations are remarkably similar across different metastases from the same patient, offering hope for successful targeted therapies. This finding suggests that single biopsies can capture essential information for therapeutic decision-making.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateSep 25, 2018

Threatened researchers find refuge in Germany

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation has selected 31 institutions to host threatened researchers from abroad, providing funds for 35 researchers fleeing war or persecution. The Philipp Schwartz Initiative is now being financed permanently by the German Federal Foreign Office.

SourceAlexander von Humboldt Foundation·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.

Molecule capable of halting and reverting Parkinson's neurodegeneration identified

A team of scientists has identified a molecule called SynuClean-D that can inhibit the aggregation of alpha-synuclein protein, a key contributor to Parkinson's disease. By administering SynuClean-D to Caenorhabditis elegans worms, researchers were able to reduce alpha-synuclein aggregations and prevent neural degeneration.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 25, 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.

Infectious bacteria hibernate to evade antibiotics

Researchers discovered that a small portion of pathogenic bacteria can go dormant, avoiding antibiotic effects. This 'hibernation' mechanism allows them to survive and resume regular functions when safe. Understanding this process is crucial for developing new antibiotics targeting the dormant state.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalScience Signaling·DateSep 25, 2018

Multimodal imaging shows strain can drive chemistry in a photovoltaic material

Researchers used multimodal imaging to study a promising photovoltaic material, finding it is ferroelastic and exhibits chemical segregation due to differential strains. This discovery challenges previous assumptions and provides new insights for designing future materials with improved performance.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 25, 2018

NASA gets a final look at Leslie as a subtropical storm

NASA analyzed Subtropical Storm Leslie transitioning to a post-tropical storm with infrared satellite data, revealing strong storms with cold cloud top temperatures that can generate heavy rainfall. The western quadrant was suppressed by dry air, while the eastern and southeastern regions experienced stronger thunderstorms.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 25, 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.

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.

Impact of WWII bombing raids felt at edge of space

Researchers found WWII bombing raids produced shockwaves strong enough to weaken the ionosphere above the UK, 1000km away. The blasts released energy equivalent to 300 lightning strikes, affecting modern technologies like radio communications and GPS systems.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalAnnales Geophysicae·DateSep 25, 2018

Energy Secretary awards researchers for global threat reduction

The Energy Secretary has recognized researchers from Argonne National Laboratory for converting a Ghana Research Reactor-1 Miniature Neutron Source Reactor to low-enriched fuel, eliminating a nuclear threat. The team's collaborative efforts reduced the risk of nuclear proliferation while maintaining scientific capability.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateSep 25, 2018

Retracing Antarctica's glacial past

Researchers found a centuries-long delay in West Antarctic Ice Sheet contraction after the Ross Ice Shelf collapse, adding complexity to sea level rise computer simulations. This discovery was made by analyzing sediment cores and fossilized life forms from the seafloor.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 25, 2018

Novel method produces highest-ever signals for human embryonic stem cell detection

Researchers developed a novel method to enhance native stem cell bioelectric signals, achieving ultra-high current levels two-orders of magnitude higher than previous methods. The new method uses 2D-molybdenum disulphide sheets, demonstrating improved commercialization and therapeutic safety for future stem cell-based therapies.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalACS Applied Bio Materials·DateSep 25, 2018

The soothing effects of strangers

A study found that pain treatment is more efficient when provided by a stranger, revealing the analgesic effect of surprise. Participants experienced reduced neural pain responses and subjective pain judgments after being treated by someone from a different social group.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateSep 25, 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.

Study shows link between breastfeeding and infant health is not straight-forward

A new study found that mothers who intended to exclusively breastfeed but used formula had similar health outcomes to those who breastfed exclusively. The findings suggest that a mother's characteristics and access to healthcare information may be more important than breastfeeding itself in determining infant health outcomes.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateSep 25, 2018

Genetic testing: Not a one-and-done deal

A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that nearly 25% of genetic test results were reclassified due to evolving scientific knowledge. This reclassification can significantly impact patients' understanding of their cancer risk and treatment options.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateSep 25, 2018

Extracellular RNA in urine may provide useful biomarkers for muscular dystrophy

Massachusetts General Hospital researchers discovered that extracellular RNA in urine can serve as a source of biomarkers for muscular dystrophy. This non-invasive assay allows for the monitoring of systemic diseases and may reduce or eliminate the need for muscle biopsies, enabling early identification of therapeutic response.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 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.

UMass Amherst food scientists profile microbes at a fermented vegetable facility

Researchers characterized microbial populations in a vegetable fermentation facility, finding distinct signatures between production and fermentation areas. The study's findings suggest that raw vegetables are the primary source of microbes in production areas, rather than handling or environmental sources.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateSep 25, 2018

Health data breaches on the rise

Between 2010 and 2017, there were 2,149 reported health data breaches compromising 176.4 million records, with healthcare providers accounting for 70% of breaches.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 25, 2018

Robots may need lizard-like tails for 'off-road' travel

Researchers analyzed the motion of lizards to develop new insights into bipedal locomotion. The study found that some species run bipedally sooner than expected, thanks to tail movement, which could improve obstacle negotiation for robots.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateSep 25, 2018

Common heart condition linked to sudden death

Researchers found a link between mitral valve prolapse and sudden cardiac death, with 14 cases per 1000 per year associated with the condition. The study identified features such as scarring of the heart muscle and heavy mitral valve leakage that put patients at high risk for serious cardiac arrhythmias.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalHeart·DateSep 25, 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.

Sun exposure gets personal with wearable UV sensors

RMIT researchers develop color-changing sensors to measure individual UV exposure, providing a simple solution to prevent Vitamin D deficiency and sunburn. The technology has potential applications beyond health, improving safety and reliability in various industries.

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2018

Bacteria's password for sporulation hasn't changed in 2.7 billion years

A study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers reveals that bacteria have retained the same 'password' for sporulation since its evolution 2.7 billion years ago. The discovery challenges traditional theories on evolution and highlights the persistence of ancient signaling networks in these organisms.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateSep 25, 2018