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Science News Archive September 2018 - Page 9


Page 9 of 37

Why it doesn't get dark when you blink

Researchers identify medial prefrontal cortex as key player in perceptual memory, allowing for stable perception of environment despite intermittent blinks. This finding has implications for understanding interaction between perception and memory, and may also shed light on confidence in one's own perception.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 24, 2018

Research forecasts US among top nations to suffer economic damage from climate change

A new study estimates that the US is expected to suffer significant economic damage from climate change, with losses of around $50 per ton of carbon emissions. The study reveals that the US will pay approximately $250 billion annually due to its high level of CO2 emissions, outpacing other major economies like India and Saudi Arabia.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 24, 2018

Antiviral protein links gut microbiota and allergies

A study in mice revealed that MAVS deficiency leads to altered gut microbiota, increased intestinal permeability, and susceptibility to allergic contact dermatitis. The findings suggest a causal relationship between the gut microbiome and allergies.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 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.

Mild exercise and memory

Research found that short periods of light exercise boost functional connectivity in the hippocampus, a region critical for memory processing. Participants showed improved memory performance after exercise, with increased connectivity correlating to better results.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2018

Does our environment affect the genes in our brains?

Researchers found that epigenetic changes in genes related to dopamine neurotransmission are associated with lower IQ test results. The study suggests environmentally-induced gene activity plays a significant role in intelligence.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateSep 24, 2018

Expanding CEO-to-worker pay gap bad for business

A study by University of California, Berkeley found that wider CEO-to-worker pay gaps lead to negative perceptions among employees and consumers. The study suggests a visceral disapproval of businesses whose profits fail to trickle down the corporate ladder.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateSep 24, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

National parks bear the brunt of climate change

Climate change is already affecting US national parks, with temperatures increasing twice as fast as the rest of the country. Without action, small mammals and plants may be driven to extinction by the end of the century. Reducing emissions could limit temperature increases in national parks.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateSep 24, 2018

Sex in plants requires thrust

Scientists discovered that pollen tubes exert forces similar to car tire pressure as they navigate through plant tissue to fertilize eggs. The research found that cells can 'feel' and respond to physical resistance in their environment, leading to changes in growth patterns.

SourceMcGill University·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateSep 24, 2018

LGBT community has poorer health outcomes, assessment finds

The local LGBT community reports twice the number of poor mental health days as the general population, with transgender individuals experiencing even more days. The study found that minority stress, stigma, and lack of access to healthcare contribute to these poorer health outcomes.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Homosexuality·DateSep 24, 2018

Results from the ReCre8 trial reported at TCT 2018

The ReCre8 trial found that a novel polymer-free amphilimus-eluting stent was clinically safe and effective, comparable to a durable polymer zotarolimus-eluting stent. The study showed that one-month DAPT in troponin-negative patients may be safe regarding stent thrombosis.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·DateSep 24, 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.

Study shows invasive lung cancer surgery can lead to long-term opioid use

A study published in JAMA Oncology found that patients treated with more-invasive surgical techniques for early-stage lung cancer were more likely to become chronic opioid users. In contrast, those who underwent minimally invasive VATS surgery were less likely to fill opioid prescriptions after surgery and in the long term.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateSep 24, 2018

Exploring the effects of integrative health in cancer

A Special Focus Issue on Integrative Oncology investigates complementary and integrative medicine in multiple age groups, nations, and special populations. Research articles and commentaries discuss the options and effectiveness of nutritional strategies, aromatherapy, massage, and self-care toolkits for cancer patients.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateSep 24, 2018

A new way to count qubits

Researchers have created a new method for measuring the state of qubits, a crucial step towards building powerful quantum computers. This breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in fields like pharmaceutical development and cryptography.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalScience·DateSep 24, 2018

Some female termites can reproduce without males

Researchers discovered termite populations with all-female colonies that can successfully reproduce and maintain social order without males. Queens in these colonies had empty spermathecae, indicating no fertilization of eggs.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateSep 24, 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.

Small modulator for big data

Researchers from Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a new method to fabricate and design integrated, on-chip modulators 100 times smaller and 20 times more efficient than current lithium niobite (LN) modulators

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateSep 24, 2018

Herbicides as drug-leads for fungal infections

Researchers found that certain commercial herbicides can inhibit the growth of human fungal pathogens like Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. The herbicides showed synergy with itraconazole to enhance antifungal activity.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2018

Common weed killer linked to bee deaths

A new study from the University of Texas at Austin finds that exposure to glyphosate, a common weed killer, reduces healthy gut microbiota in honey bees and makes them more vulnerable to infection. This compromise can lead to bee deaths, particularly when exposed to opportunistic pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2018

Height may be risk factor for varicose veins, Stanford-led study finds

A Stanford-led study found a link between height and varicose veins, identifying 30 genes linked to the condition and suggesting that genetic markers of height may predict disease. The researchers used machine learning combined with epidemiological methods to examine genomic data on over 400,000 people.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalCirculation·DateSep 24, 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.

Desert ants develop memory of food-associated odors

Research reveals that desert ants can learn and retain up to 14 distinct food-associated odors, a crucial adaptation for navigating diverse food sources. This memory lasts for up to 26 days in nearly half of the ants tested, outlasting their average life expectancy.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2018

History of New York City marshes

Researchers reconstructed three centuries of sedimentation history for NYC marshes, finding a significant decrease in inorganic mineral sediments since the 19th century. This reduction weakens marsh structures, suggesting future preservation will require adding mineral sediment to dredged basins and the marshes themselves.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 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.

Overlooked signal in MRI scans reflects amount, kind of brain cells

Researchers developed a new MRI technique that analyzes overlooked data to reveal brain cell density and connectivity. This may aid in diagnosing brain conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and autism.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2018

Why are data ethics so challenging in a changing world?

The article discusses the complexity of data ethics, emphasizing personal data ownership, consent, trustworthiness, and privacy. Researchers aim to strike a balance between harnessing data's potential benefits and mitigating its risks.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBig Data·DateSep 24, 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.

Ancient retrovirus and intravenous drug use

A study found that a fragment of an ancient retrovirus, HK2, is more frequently integrated in the genes of people who contracted HIV through IV drug use. This suggests that HK2 may contribute to dopaminergic manipulation and be an underappreciated pathogenic burden.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 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.

Renewed project could protect environment for millennia

The project, which began in 2014 with $5.25 million, aims to ensure safe disposal of nuclear waste for thousands or hundreds of thousands of years. Researchers are using multidisciplinary approaches to study the movement of radionuclides through soil and groundwater.

SourceClemson University·DateSep 24, 2018

How Earth sheds heat into space

Researchers from MIT's EAPS department found a linear relationship between the Earth's surface temperature and its outgoing heat, which may break down at higher temperatures. The study suggests that water vapor feedback is responsible for this relationship, and it could help climate scientists model the effects of climate change.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2018

Effect of glyphosate on honey bee gut

The herbicide glyphosate reduces abundances of dominant gut microbiota species in exposed bees, making them more susceptible to pathogens. Bees with impaired gut microomes are more likely to die when exposed to opportunistic pathogens.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 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.

Shen leads team seeking to improve quantum computation

A team of scientists, led by Dr. Shen, is working on developing a two-photon controlled-phase logic gate, an essential building block for optical quantum information. The team aims to overcome the difficulty in manipulating photons and create a fundamental component for photonic quantum computation.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateSep 24, 2018

How common are traumatic brain injuries in children?

The study analyzed national survey data to estimate lifetime TBI in children and found that such injuries send children to emergency departments and carry risk for long-term adverse outcomes. Parents reported diagnoses, which may lead to underestimation of TBI prevalence.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 24, 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.

Scientists search for coral's new home

Researchers are creating artificial structures to mimic natural surfaces for coral larvae to settle on. By understanding the interactions between larvae and materials, they aim to increase reef regeneration rates and combat coral bleaching. The project combines engineering and biological expertise to tackle this critical issue.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·DateSep 24, 2018

Take a step back from yourself to better realize the benefits of awe

Researchers found that spontaneous self-distancing predicts whether awe has a positive or negative effect on people. Awe can lead to a sense of smallness, making obstacles seem insignificant, but also a perception of capabilities as insignificant, making stressors unmanageable.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateSep 24, 2018

Results from the OAC-ALONE trial reported at TCT 2018 and published in Circulation

The OAC-ALONE study found that oral anticoagulation (OAC) alone did not provide non-inferiority to combined OAC and antiplatelet therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation and stable coronary artery disease beyond one year after stent implantation. The study also found higher rates of major bleeding with OAC alone.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·JournalCirculation·DateSep 24, 2018

Advanced animal society thrives without males

Researchers at the University of Sydney discovered six termite populations in Japan that lacked males, yet still reproduced. These findings suggest asexual reproduction may be essential for some advanced animal populations to adapt to new environments.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalBMC Biology·DateSep 24, 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.

Asian-Americans more likely to be hired to lead troubled companies

Researchers found that Asian-Americans were appointed two-and-a-half times as often during a company's decline than when it was successful. This may be due to stereotypes of Asian-Americans being self-sacrificing, which can lead to longer working hours or giving up bonuses.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateSep 24, 2018

Children whose mothers use marijuana are more likely to try it at younger age

A study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that children whose mothers use marijuana during their first 12 years are more likely to start using cannabis earlier than children of non-users. This relationship holds even after controlling for social environmental factors, suggesting a potential risk factor for early init...

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateSep 24, 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.

Violence in pre-Columbian Panama exaggerated, new study shows

A new evaluation of Panama's Playa Venado site reveals no signs of trauma at or near time of death, contradicting earlier interpretations of violent death. The burial site likely tells a more culturally nuanced story, with adults buried next to urns containing children and evidence of adult kinship practices.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalLatin American Antiquity·DateSep 24, 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.

Photosynthesis discovery could help next-gen biotechnologies

Researchers have purified and visualized the Cyclic Electron Flow supercomplex, a critical part of photosynthetic machinery, to advance solar-powered microalgae-based biotechnologies. This discovery provides new insights into how plants capture and store solar energy at the molecular level.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2018

Ready-to-use recipe for turning plant waste into gasoline

Bioscience engineers at KU Leuven have created a roadmap for producing cellulose gasoline, a second-generation biofuel, by converting plant waste into hydrocarbon chains. The process involves adding cellulose to the petroleum refining process, resulting in a strongly bio-sourced gasoline.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature Energy·DateSep 24, 2018