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Science News Archive July 2016


Page 16 of 36

New detector overcomes key challenge in using light for wireless communications

Researchers from Facebook's Connectivity Lab have demonstrated a new approach for detecting optical communication signals, overcoming the primary challenge of precisely pointing a small laser beam at a tiny light detector. The new technology uses fluorescent materials to collect and concentrate light onto a photodetector, achieving dat...

To catch a wireless thief

Researchers are developing a crowdsourced system that allows users to contribute in helping detect and locate unauthorized radio frequency use. The system uses software-defined radio technology and smartphone apps to monitor for suspicious activity, potentially aiding authorities in combating wireless theft.

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.

Mercury exposure in Canada's northern indigenous communities

Canada's northern indigenous communities are at risk of mercury exposure due to high fish and marine animal consumption. The Canadian Medical Association Journal provides guidance on managing mercury exposure in patients with diets high in fish and marine animals.

Virgin olive oil and hypertension

Epidemiological studies support the consumption of virgin olive oil as an effective antihypertensive agent. The unique bioactive properties of oleic acid and minor constituents in virgin olive oil protect against hypertension by influencing vascular contractibility and heart/kidney cellular loss, leading to reduced blood pressure.

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.

In-hospital formula feeding, family history help explain breastfeeding gaps

Researchers found that black mothers were nine times more likely to be given formula in the hospital than white mothers, while Hispanic mothers had higher breastfeeding rates due to family history. The study suggests that hospitals and policy makers consider these factors to reduce racial and ethnic disparities

American Cancer Society endorses HPV vaccine recommendations from CDC

The American Cancer Society has endorsed HPV vaccination recommendations from the CDC, recommending routine vaccination of all children at age 11 or 12. Vaccination is also recommended for females ages 13 to 26 and males aged 13 to 21 who have not been vaccinated previously or completed the 3-dose series.

Risk of low blood sugar differs among similar diabetes drugs

A new systematic review found that gliclazide confers the lowest risk of hypoglycemia when added to metformin. This suggests prescribing a medication with a lower risk of low blood sugar may be a rational and affordable alternative for patients with type 2 diabetes.

Juicy news about cranberries

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth discovered flavonols in cranberry juice significantly reduce E.coli adhesion, which can cause bacterial infections. The findings may lead to new antibiotic drug targets and alternative treatments for 'superbugs'.

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.

Teaming up against sepsis

A multidisciplinary team of UCSB faculty members and clinicians will conduct biomedical research on sepsis, a severe response to infections, thanks to a $12.8 million NIH grant. The program aims to develop radically different approaches to treating sepsis, with the goal of reducing disability and death.

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.

Ship engine emissions adversely affect macrophages

A recent study reveals that ship engine emissions adversely affect macrophages, a key component of the immune system. The toxic effects of these emissions on macrophages can lead to pro-inflammatory reactions and other biological processes, highlighting the need for efficient particle-reducing measures.

NASA seeks picometer accuracy

A new tool is being developed by NASA to assure picometer-level stability, a feat not yet accomplished. The instrument will measure tiny changes in mirror segments and other supporting telescope structure during environmental testing.

Electron spin control: Levitated nanodiamond is research gem

Purdue University researchers have successfully controlled the electron spin of a levitated nanodiamond using lasers in a vacuum, enabling potential applications in quantum information processing, sensors, and fundamental physics studies. The technique could also be used to detect and measure gases, such as oxygen, with improved accuracy.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Surface tension can sort droplets for biomedical applications

Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a simple and inexpensive device that can sort droplets of liquid based solely on their varying surface tensions. The device uses a tunable surface chemistry to manipulate its repellency to different liquids, enabling the sorting of droplets by surface tension.

Where the buffalo have evolutionarily roamed

Scientists explore European bison bulls' demographic history, revealing footprints of selection on over 400 genes. These genes are associated with physiological functions underlying distinctive features between bison and bovine lineages, such as thermogenesis and wooly hair development.

Australian first study finds massive diabetic foot disease costs

A new Australian-first study found that nearly half of patients hospitalized due to diabetic foot disease were already showing symptoms. Diabetic foot disease causes significant costs, with estimated annual direct costs reaching $350 million for hospitalization alone.

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.

WSU researchers determine key improvement for fuel cells

Researchers improved understanding of the process that stops reactions in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), a clean energy technology that has struggled to gain wide acceptance. The study found that an electric field can prevent failures and improve system performance by capturing the complexity of the triple-phase boundary.

Long-awaited breakthrough in the reconstruction of warm climate phases

Scientists from the AWI have correctly simulated the Eocene warm climate phase using climate models, overcoming a previous weakness due to misinterpreting the temperature indicator TEX86. The corrected temperatures reveal that the region was still warm enough for palm trees to grow on beaches.

Stem cells engineered to grow cartilage, fight inflammation

Researchers have developed a technique to program stem cells to grow new cartilage on a 3-D template shaped like the ball of a hip joint. The cartilage can release anti-inflammatory molecules to fend off arthritis. The discovery may provide an alternative to hip-replacement surgery, particularly in younger patients.

Jeff Shamma elected IFAC fellow

Jeff Shamma, a King Abdullah University of Science & Technology professor, has been elected as an IFAC Fellow for his significant contributions to linear parameter varying systems and multiagent systems. He joins a prestigious list of global academics and experts in the field of control and systems engineering.

Researchers build a crawling robot from sea slug parts and a 3-D printed body

Researchers have created biohybrid robots that crawl like sea turtles on the beach, combining tissues from a sea slug with flexible 3-D printed components. The robots are designed to be compliant and interact with their environment, making them suitable for tasks such as searching for toxic leaks or lost flight data recorders.

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.

Researchers identify a new genetic cause of Coats plus syndrome

Researchers identified STN1 gene mutations as the cause of Coats plus syndrome, a telomeropathy that affects multiple tissues. The study found that cells with dysfunctional telomeres and decreased capacity to divide were characteristic of patients with Coats plus syndrome.

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.

The pains and strains of a continental breakup

Researchers from the University of Sydney and the University of Potsdam have uncovered a distinct two-phase separation process for continental breakup, involving gradual rifting and eventual rapid subsidence. The study highlights a phenomenon difficult to explain within conventional plate tectonics, shedding new light on the process.

Managing an endangered river across the US-Mexico border

The Rio Grande is a vital lifeline for the southwestern US and northern Mexico, but its water level is declining due to growing demand. A new study proposes four policy recommendations to strengthen water resources management, including reciprocal water re-distribution, expertise sharing, and small-scale sustainability strategies.

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.

'Jumping film' harnesses the power of humidity

Scientists create a film that curls up and straightens autonomously when exposed to tiny changes in humidity, using it to transform environmental fluctuations into mechanical energy. The film can jump high and repeatedly bend and straighten without deterioration.

'Cool, fun factor' motivates e-cigarette use in teens

A study found that the novelty factor is a key motivator for e-cigarette use among adolescents, with nearly 70% having heard about e-cigarettes and over 10% using them. E-cigarette use was more common among male respondents who were already using cigarettes and other tobacco products.

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.

Scientists delve into 'black box' of DNA research

Researchers reveal that unusual DNA repeat elements on inactive X chromosomes are crucial for maintaining the three-dimensional structure of this female-specific genetic phenomenon. The study uses genome engineering techniques to demonstrate the importance of these repeats, opening a new era of genomics research.

Better understanding post-earthquake fault movement

Researchers collected unique data set after 2014 South Napa earthquake, showing afterslip concentrated in loosely packed sediment. This helps address question: Can geology be used as proxy for fault behavior? The findings have significant implications for earthquake hazard models and planning response.

Gas sensors 'see' through soil to analyze microbial interactions

Researchers have created gas biosensors that enable real-time monitoring of microbial gene expression in soil samples, allowing for the study of horizontal gene transfer and its impact on environmental processes. The technique has the potential to improve crop growth through more efficient watering and fertilizer use.

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.

Toxicological cross-check

Empa researchers develop new flame retardants with improved flame retardancy and no toxic effects, highlighting the importance of toxicological cross-checking before mass production. The newly developed EDA-DOPO is a good candidate for further development, showing better safety and effectiveness than previously available products.

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.

Rise in avoidable diabetes hospital visits

Researchers at the University of Leicester found that hospital admissions for hypoglycemia have risen by 39% between 2005 and 2014, with almost 80,000 people admitted. The average cost per admission is estimated to be £1,000, with the total cost of treating severe episodes in the UK around £13 million.

Grandpa's obesity affects the health of his grandchildren

A study has found that a father's metabolic health can be passed to his children and grandchildren, increasing their risk of developing metabolic disease. The research discovered that obese fathers are putting their sons at risk of developing fatty liver disease and pre-diabetic symptoms.

Study: Fracking industry wells associated with increased risk of asthma attacks

A new study found that people with asthma living near larger or bigger fracking industry wells in Pennsylvania are 1.5-4 times more likely to experience asthma attacks. The researchers identified a significant increase in asthma attacks among patients living closer to these wells, particularly during the production phase.

Bariatric surgery associated with improved mobility, less walking pain

A new study found bariatric surgery significantly improved functional mobility and reduced musculoskeletal pain in adolescents. Positive effects on walking speed, resting heart rate, and post-test heart rates were observed as early as six months after surgery and persisted for two years.

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.