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Science News Archive September 2017


Page 25 of 39

Wax on, melt off

Drexel University researchers develop a method to create roads that can deice themselves during winter storms by adding phase change materials like paraffin wax to the concrete mix. The technology has shown promise in melting snow and ice, reducing the need for chemicals and salt.

Earth's oldest trees in climate-induced race up the tree line

Climate change is causing bristlecone pine trees to lose ground to limber pine as they race up the tree line in the Great Basin. The study found that limber pine is successfully 'leapfrogging' over bristlecone pines, taking valuable space for them to germinate.

How well electron transport works in furfural biogas

Researchers studied electron beam interactions with furfural gas to establish benchmark evaluation of low-energy electron scattering cross-sections and energy loss estimates. The analysis provided valuable insights into the energy characteristics of furfural biogas, a promising candidate for alternative biofuels.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Marijuana may produce psychotic-like effects in high-risk individuals

A preliminary study at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that marijuana use can cause temporary paranoia and psychosis-related effects in individuals at high risk of developing a psychotic disorder. This population includes those with family history of psychosis or other risk factors.

Imaging how magnetism goes surfing

Scientists have developed a method to control magnetic properties of materials using surface acoustic waves, which can induce rapid changes in strain and magnetization. This technique has the potential to enable low-power magnetic devices, which is key to developing memory, computing, and communication devices at the nanoscale.

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.

Studies help explain link between autism, severe infection during pregnancy

Two new studies from MIT and UMass Medical School shed light on the link between maternal infection during pregnancy and autism. Researchers found that bacterial populations in the mother's digestive tract can influence offspring behavior and discovered specific brain changes associated with autistic-like behaviors.

'The dark side' of quantum computers

Quantum computers threaten to destroy current internet security methods as they can break RSA and ECC systems in days or hours. Researchers like Tanja Lange are working on alternative systems, including a $3.9 million EU-funded research consortium.

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.

The evolution of 'true frogs' defies long-held expectations of science

New research reveals that true frogs' rapid global dispersal was not associated with an increase in net-diversification, contradicting long-held scientific expectations. The study found that the origin of these frogs was Indochina, and their diversification occurred over millions of years through a steady accumulation of species.

Vitamin D levels in blood may help predict risk of MS

A new study suggests that correcting vitamin D deficiency in young and middle-age women can reduce their future risk of multiple sclerosis. Deficient levels of vitamin D were found to be associated with a higher risk of developing MS, with a 39% decrease in risk for each 50 nmol/L increase.

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.

Climate change challenges the survival of fish across the world

A new study found that climate change will impact fish survival globally, with sensitivity varying between ocean-dwelling and freshwater fish. The analysis predicts breaking-point temperatures for over 3,000 species, highlighting the urgent need for conservation strategies to support fish adaptation and migration.

Researchers create first global map of water in moon's soil

Scientists from Brown University have created a quantitative map of water and its chemical building blocks trapped in the uppermost portion of the Moon's soil. The study found that the signature of water is present nearly everywhere on the lunar surface, with concentrations reaching up to 500-750 parts per million at higher latitudes.

'Peel-and-go' printable structures fold themselves

Researchers at MIT's CSAIL developed a printer-ink material that expands after solidification, allowing the creation of self-folding devices. The technique enables the custom manufacture of sensors, displays, or antennas with three-dimensional shapes.

A new method provides better insights into real-world network evolution

Chinese scientists develop a new algorithm that leverages network structure characteristics to improve link prediction accuracy and robustness. Their experimental testing in various real-world networks yields better results than existing methods, leading to the creation of a novel method for predicting missing links.

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.

Magnetic fields to alleviate anxiety

Researchers at University of Würzburg found that transcranial magnetic stimulation can improve anxiety treatment outcomes, particularly for fear of heights. The study used virtual reality to induce fear and showed that stimulated brain regions lead to accelerated therapy responses.

New method for identifying carbon compounds derived from fossil fuels

Scientists at NIST have developed a laboratory instrument that can measure the source of carbon in materials, enabling new applications in biofuels and bioplastics industries. The instrument uses cavity ringdown spectroscopy to detect subtle differences in CO2 wavelengths, allowing for accurate measurement of heavy CO2 concentrations.

NSF awards $13 million for research on how humans, environment interact

The National Science Foundation has awarded $13 million to nine researchers studying socioecological system dynamics related to livelihoods, human migration and landscape evolution. The grants will help understand the complex interactions between humans and natural systems in deltas globally.

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.

Study advances efforts to screen all children for Type 1 diabetes

Researchers developed a novel antibody detection technology that increases the sensitivity of Type 1 Diabetes tests, enabling screening for more autoimmune antibodies implicated in the disease. The technology holds promise for making populationwide screening practical and catching the disease earlier.

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.

Tectonic plates 'weaker than previously thought,' say scientists

Researchers at Oxford University have discovered that tectonic plates are weaker than previously believed, thanks to laboratory experiments. The study sheds light on how plates break and form new boundaries, with implications for understanding earthquake-generating faults.

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.

Automated feedback: The new science of grading STEM papers

Researchers at Wake Forest University are testing the effectiveness of SAWHET, an automated lab report feedback system, to improve scientific writing in STEM students. The study aims to enhance explanation of research to the public and receive a $280k NSF grant.

A hair-trigger for cells fighting infection

A new study reveals how the immune system avoids becoming cancerous by using a hair-trigger protein called Tia1. This protein controls the production of proteins needed to fix damaged DNA, allowing B cells to produce effective antibodies while preventing lasting harm.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New gravity map suggests Mars has a porous crust

Researchers found a lower density in Mars' crust, indicating possible porosity, which could impact the planet's formation and evolution. The new gravity map reveals variations in crust thickness beneath volcanoes.

H1N1 swine flu may play a role in triggering type 1 diabetes

A nationwide Norwegian study found that H1N1 infected individuals, especially children under 15, were twice as likely to develop type 1 diabetes than the general population. Infection with H1N1 influenza virus was linked to a doubled risk of T1D in Norwegians aged 30 or younger.

How should we handle boys who can't read?

A Norwegian University study found that girls outperform boys in reading by six years old due to better letter recognition and sounds knowledge. The study suggests a multifaceted approach to address the disparity, including early identification and targeted training, to prevent students from dropping out of school.

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 tree reveals cause of spike in Arctic temperature

Researchers discovered a new mechanism that may explain how temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere spiked several degrees centigrade during the last global ice age. The study suggests Antarctica plays a role too, and linked melting ice there to rapid atmospheric warming in the North Atlantic.

Historic legacies affect climate change survival in Caribbean

Historic legacies of empire have increased Caribbean states' vulnerability to climate change, with unequal power relationships and limited resources hindering their ability to address the issue. Dr Leon Sealey-Huggins argues that addressing historical inequalities is crucial for a just and lasting approach to climate change.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Predicting atypical development in infants at high risk for autism?

A new study from Columbia University Irving Medical Center identified a potential biomarker that predicts atypical development in 1- to 2-month-old infants at high familial risk for developing autism spectrum disorders. Infants at high risk have elevated 'noise' and increased randomness in their spontaneous head movements during sleep.

AI -- Engineering: merging, morphing, mobile robots

Self-reconfiguring modular robots can adapt their bodies by splitting and merging to become new entities with autonomous task or environment choices. The system enables robots to self-heal by removing or replacing malfunctioning parts, including a brain unit.

Astronauts don't develop anemia during spaceflight, NASA study suggests

A NASA study found that astronaut blood parameters, such as red blood cells and oxygen-carrying proteins, remained higher than pre-flight levels even after adapting to microgravity. The study collected whole blood samples from 31 astronauts over up to six months on the International Space Station.

Household environment -- not genetics -- shapes salivary microbes

A study published in mBio finds that household environment plays a major role in shaping the salivary microbiome, with similar bacteria found in individuals living together. The research team sequenced DNA and saliva from an extended Ashkenazi Jewish family to determine how environmental influences affect the microbiome.

Tomatoes' crystal ball reveals evolutionary secrets

Researchers at Michigan State University studied the unique molecule acylsugars found in tomato trichomes, revealing their diverse structures and potential as natural pesticides. This discovery opens an evolutionary window into plant defense metabolism and could lead to innovative solutions for pest resistance and human medicine.

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.

Letting the data speak for itself

Researchers developed a flexible geostatistical model that captures both types of asymptotic dependence and accurately estimates extremal dependence type. The new model outperforms other typical models in terms of fit to the data and spatial prediction of extreme wind speeds.