Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive September 2017


Page 22 of 39

Quantum machine learning

Researchers reviewed the status of classical and quantum machine learning, exploring its potential to analyze both classical and quantum data. Quantum machines could accelerate processing timescales using quantum annealers and universal quantum computers.

$10M DOE grant to help boost camelina oilseed yield

Michigan State University will lead a $10 million U.S. Department of Energy grant to explore ways to boost camelina oilseed's yield. The team aims to achieve up to a 300-percent increase per acre in oil production by studying the plant's metabolic and gene expression networks.

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.

$1.6M from NSF to UC Davis to study water, land use in disadvantaged communities

The National Science Foundation has awarded a $1.6M grant to UC Davis to analyze the complex relationships between surface water and groundwater supply, agricultural land use and economic wellbeing of rural, disadvantaged communities. The project aims to provide new insights for other regions facing similar issues and help local commun...

Tiny fighters in sediments determine success of invasive marine plants

Researchers found that microbes associated with native species provide resistance to invasion, while those with invaders break down this resistance and may poison native plants. The study suggests a new way to restore the balance of microbial communities in sediments to reduce the risk of invasive marine species.

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.

The return of the comet-like exoplanet

Astronomers have discovered an exoplanet, GJ 436b, with a huge gas cloud resembling a comet's tail, caused by intense stellar irradiation. The planet's atmosphere loses hydrogen due to the star's radiation, forming a massive cloud that absorbs UV radiation.

Engineered therapy for blood clotting disorder shows early promise

Researchers have created an engineered form of ADAMTS-13 (BAX 930) to restore the missing enzyme in patients with congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a rare and life-threatening blood disease. The therapy was found to be safe and effective, with no allergic reactions or serious adverse events.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Microbial mass movements

The study highlights how human activities like tourism, trade, and agriculture impact microbial populations worldwide. Researchers warn of potential extinction risks for some microbes due to increased competition and spreading of antibiotic resistance genes.

A subtler sexism now frames TV coverage of women in sports

A study by USC researchers found that women's sports receive nearly the same level of coverage as men's sports, with subtle sexism still present in mainstream broadcast coverage. Women's stories averaged only 77 seconds on SportsCenter, compared to men's stories, and are often framed in a 'gender-bland' way.

Chronic pain common in people living with HIV

Chronic pain affects 39-85% of people living with HIV, with neuropathic pain being a significant concern. Guidelines recommend a multidisciplinary treatment approach using non-drug options such as cognitive behavioral therapy, yoga, and physical therapy.

Fitness trackers could benefit from better security, study finds

A study by researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that popular fitness trackers have security weaknesses that can compromise users' personal data. The team discovered vulnerabilities in communication procedures and demonstrated how to intercept messages and bypass encryption systems.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

New genetic cause discovered for photosensitive blood disorder

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital identified a new genetic cause of erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a photosensitive blood disorder. A dominant mutation in the CLPX gene was found to lead to excess porphyrin production, contributing to EPP.

Impaired sleep may have serious health consequences for kidney disease patients

A study found that individuals with chronic kidney disease who experienced high sleep fragmentation were at elevated risk of developing kidney failure. Higher sleep fragmentation and shorter sleep duration were also linked to steeper declines in kidney function over time. Subjectively measured daytime sleepiness was associated with an ...

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.

That's one small step for a DNA robot, one giant leap for mankind

Researchers have created miniature DNA robots that can pick up particles and deliver them to different areas using origami tracks. The robots, which move randomly along the track, have an 80% chance of successful delivery and can perform tasks such as assembling chemical compounds or rearranging nanoparticles on circuits.

Sorting molecules with DNA robots

Researchers develop a single-strand DNA robot that can autonomously pick up and sort molecules into distinct regions on a surface. The robot successfully sorted six scattered molecules in 24 hours, and its design can be generalized to work with dozens of types of cargos.

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.

Maintaining healthy weight helps keep blood pressure low through life

New research reveals that maintaining a healthy weight is crucial in preventing high blood pressure, with participants who kept their weight in check being 41% less likely to develop increasing blood pressure. The study also found that focusing on weight management can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

No strings attached for underwater video system

A flexible technology for streaming high-quality underwater video images has been developed by improving bandwidth to achieve better video quality. This innovation has the potential to open up new exploration and monitoring opportunities in oceans, which cover over two-thirds of our planet.

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.

Shifting attitudes on pre-planned death raises new questions for clinicians

Clinicians must consider alternative modes of responding to challenges posed by pre-planned deaths, where decisionally capable individuals choose the time, place, and manner of their death. The concept raises questions about dignity, care, and terminology surrounding physician-assisted suicide and patient-initiated, self-conducted deaths.

NASA's Terra satellite spies Typhoon Talim's large eye

Typhoon Talim's powerful storm system was observed by NASA's Terra satellite on Sept. 14, revealing a large open eye surrounded by intense thunderstorms. The storm is expected to make landfall in Japan and move northwards, prompting warnings from China and Japan.

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.

Corrosion in real time

Researchers used the Surface Forces Apparatus to investigate crevice and pitting corrosion in confined spaces. They observed intense local corrosion resulting in sudden pit formation, highlighting the complexity of the process and its dependence on electric potential difference.

Young binge drinkers show altered brain activity

Researchers found distinctive changes in brain activity of young binge-drinking college students, which may indicate early signs of brain damage. The study suggests that bingeing has tangible effects on the young brain, comparable with those seen in chronic alcoholics.

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.

Filtering molecules from the water or air with nanomembranes

Researchers have created ultra-thin carbon nanomembranes that can filter out specific molecules from water and air, with significant implications for purification and other industries. The membranes' unique properties can be tailored to suit different purposes, making them versatile tools in various fields.

NASA sees Typhoon Doksuri in the South China Sea

Typhoon Doksuri appeared well-rounded and organized on satellite imagery as it moved through the north central South China Sea toward Vietnam. The storm had maximum sustained winds near 85 knots (97.8 mph) and was expected to make landfall south of the city of Vinh on the coast of Vietnam on September 15.

New insights into nanocrystal growth in liquid

The study reveals how arrangement of atoms creates forces that pull crystals together and align them. Researchers found that manipulating attraction through ion type, concentration, and temperature can control crystallization.

Huge genetic diversity among Papuan New Guinean peoples revealed

A large-scale genetic study of Papuan New Guinean people found strong genetic differences between groups, reflecting linguistic and cultural diversity. The study suggests that the country's isolated highlands region has remained genetically independent for thousands of years.

NASA-NOAA Satellite spots 2 tails of Hurricane Max

The Suomi NPP satellite captured an image of Hurricane Max on Sept. 13, revealing two 'tails' of thunderstorms feeding into the low-level center. Maximum sustained winds reached near 75 mph (120 kph), with higher gusts and a minimum central pressure of 992 millibars.

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.

Mixing artificial sweeteners inhibits bitter taste receptors

Researchers discovered that saccharin inhibits the activity of bitter taste receptors stimulated by cyclamate, while cyclamate reduces the off-taste elicited by saccharin. This finding provides tools for developing superior sweetener blends and improving their taste in food products.

MRI effective in detecting postpartum breast cancers

A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that MRI had a 98% sensitivity rate in detecting postpartum breast cancers, leading to changes in surgical management for 28% of patients. The study also highlighted the importance of preoperative planning in managing these aggressive cancers.

Kids praised for being smart are more likely to cheat

A recent study published in Psychological Science found that praising children for their intelligence can lead to dishonest behavior and cheating as early as age 3. The research suggests that this type of praise can create performance pressure, causing kids to feel compelled to cheat in order to meet expectations.

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.

GPM satellite finds sheared Hurricane Jose has very tall storms

Hurricane Jose was found to have extremely intense downpours within its powerful convective storms, with rain falling at rates of over 8.9 inches per hour. The GPM satellite's 3D cross-section revealed storm tops reaching altitudes greater than 10.85 miles high.

NASa sees remnants of irma ready to exit Eastern US

NASA's Terra satellite and NOAA's GOES East satellite monitored the movement of Irma's remnant clouds, tracking their path across the Midwest, Pennsylvania, New England, and upstate New York. The low-pressure system associated with the remnants is expected to slide off the U.S. East coast on Friday.

Poor sleep hastens progression of kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease is characterized by gradual loss of kidney function over time. Poor sleep duration and quality are associated with steeper declines in kidney function and increased risk of developing kidney failure.

'Handedness' in scale-eating fish: Nature and nurture

A study by Nagoya University researchers reveals that behavioral laterality in scale-eating fish is acquired through experience, with juveniles initially attacking both sides before favoring a dominant side. The stronger side's kinetic advantages support the theory that lateralized behavior is naturally determined.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Hydrogen power moves a step closer

Scientists are developing methods to create renewable fuel from water using quantum technology, marking a significant step forward in the pursuit of sustainable energy. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission revealed intense downpours within Hurricane Jose's powerful convective storms.

Electric eels leap to deliver painful, Taser-like jolt

Researchers have found that electric eels use a clever trick to deliver an intense shock: they leap from the water to target threatening animals above water. This behavior prevents their electrical discharges from weakening as they dissipate through the water, making it a more effective way to deter predators.

Toward ending an environmental nightmare

A team of Stanford researchers is using satellite data to track and identify brick kilns in South Asia, which are a major source of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The initiative aims to raise public awareness and incentivize kiln owners to switch to cleaner technologies.

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.