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Science News Archive 2018


Page 102 of 473

Building a better battery layer by layer

Researchers at Shinshu University developed a self-assembled monolayer coating that promotes efficient transportation within electrodes, suppressing side reactions in high-voltage lithium-ion batteries. The coating improved power density and cyclability, allowing the battery to maintain capacity even after 100 cycles.

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.

A new mechanism for how animal cells stay intact

Researchers at Stanford University have found a unique way that animal cells stay intact in the marine organism Trichoplax adhaerens (Tplax), using fast contractions in its epithelial layers. This discovery could inform our understanding of complex animals and the creation of advanced materials.

Classifying microbes differently leads to discovery

A new study suggests that changing how microbes are classified can reveal clearer patterns of similarity between closely related mammals in terms of their gut microbiomes. The researchers propose an alternative approach to classification based on evolutionary history, which helps uncover meaningful units among microbes.

Why don't we understand statistics? Fixed mindsets may be to blame

A study found that fixed mindsets can lead to difficulties in solving statistical problems, even when simpler solutions are available. The researchers suggest that a lack of education in natural frequencies may be the cause, and hope to encourage curriculum designers to incorporate this concept into school mathematics and statistics.

Tropical moths in the mountains are larger

Researchers from Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena studied the correlation between tropical moth size and elevation, finding clear patterns in their measurements. Moths from two species-rich families increase significantly in size at higher elevations, contradicting expectations under the Bergmann rule.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UT Dallas study provides fuller picture of the human cost from terrorist attacks

A new study from The University of Texas at Dallas analyzes the impact of terrorism injuries, estimating that victims lost an average of 12,628 years of healthy life due to injuries. The study puts the annual toll of terrorist attacks in context with other causes of death, highlighting the devastating human cost of these events.

Calm the immune system, halt premature birth

Researchers at University of Connecticut have discovered a potential treatment for premature birth by targeting the immune system. Studies in mice suggest that inhibiting granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) could prevent preterm labor and birth.

Unapproved ingredients in over-the-counter supplements

A study analyzed FDA warnings from 2007-2016 and identified over 700 dietary supplements with unapproved pharmaceutical ingredients. Most of these products were marketed for sexual enhancement, weight loss, or muscle building, highlighting the need for stricter regulation of over-the-counter supplements.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

NASA tracks post-Tropical Cyclone Michael's heavy rains to Northeastern US

NASA satellite imagery revealed heavy rainfall affecting eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the northeastern US, with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission found the heaviest rainfall falling at a rate of over 1.6 inches per hour south of Long Island, New York.

Irrigating vegetables with wastewater in African cities may spread disease

A new study reveals that urban farmers in African cities are unknowingly spreading disease by irrigating vegetables with wastewater rich in virulent human pathogens. The risk of spreading bacteria and antimicrobial resistance among humans and animals is high, posing a significant health threat to millions of people.

NASA sees Sergio's rains sweep into the US Southwest

Tropical Storm Sergio brings heavy rain to Baja California, Mexico, and southern Arizona, with cloud top temperatures reaching -63 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is expected to weaken and move over northwestern Mexico before dissipating on Saturday.

High-performance self-assembled catalyst for SOFC

A new catalyst has been developed to improve Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) performance by forming a self-assembled alloy at the surface. The catalyst was tested using methane gas directly, operating stably for over 500 hours with four times higher reaction efficiency than previous catalysts.

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.

Liver-on-a-chip, the ideal test environment for CRISPR

A multidisciplinary team applies CRISPR on a human liver-on-a-chip platform to identify biomarkers for toxicity and off-target effects. The study aims to predict liver tissue response in humans and develop effective gene editing tools.

Sidestepping the pitfalls of overconfidence with plausible deniability

A study by Nathan Meikle reveals that expressing confidence nonverbally can reduce the risk of being punished for overconfidence. People can reap the rewards of confidence while sidestepping potential costs through plausible deniability, a strategy used by politicians and business leaders to maintain status and influence.

Satellite finds wind shear battering Tropical Storm Nadine

Tropical Storm Nadine is experiencing severe vertical wind shear, causing the bulk of its clouds to shift northeast. The storm's maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 45 mph, with forecasts indicating it will weaken further and dissipate by Sunday.

Microfluidic molecular exchanger helps control therapeutic cell manufacturing

Researchers developed a microfluidic technique to monitor specific biomolecules, indicating the health of living cell cultures. The technique uses electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and can detect low concentrations of biomolecules, guiding process control and improving quality control in cell manufacturing.

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.

Simple, cost effective treatment following failed back surgery shows promise

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine developed a simplified procedure called SEAL to remove scar tissue and adhesions that contribute to post-surgical low back pain. The study found short-to-moderate term pain relief in 74% of patients, with over 40% experiencing greater than 50% pain relief after three years.

Is the next big step in cancer therapy personalized vaccines?

A clinical trial at UC San Diego Health is testing personalized vaccines that use a patient's unique cancer mutations to stimulate an immune response. The vaccine, combined with an FDA-approved checkpoint inhibitor, aims to unleash the full potential of T cells activated by the vaccine.

Disrupting crystalline order to restore superfluidity

Researchers at the University of Hamburg disrupt crystalline order in a quantum system using light pulses, restoring superfluidity. The study demonstrates a fundamental mechanism for controlling phase transitions in many-body systems via light control.

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.

Medical marijuana for symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 clinical trials found that medical marijuana reduced subjective patient assessments of spasticity, pain, and bladder dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis. However, the therapy may carry a higher risk of adverse events compared to placebo.

Does open heart surgery affect cognitive abilities?

A recent study found that open heart surgery can cause some cognitive decline in the first month after surgery, but cognitive health largely returns to normal within six months. Aortic valve surgery may be associated with more early cognitive problems than mitral valve surgery due to the older age of patients.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Study: No surge in illicit cigarettes after menthol ban

A 2018 study from Nova Scotia found that seizures of illicit cigarettes decreased significantly between 2007-08 and 2017-18, with no statistically significant increase after the 2015 menthol ban. The prevalence of illegal tobacco in the province also decreased from 30% to less than 10%.

How the grid cell system of the brain maps mental spaces

Researchers have demonstrated the existence of grid-like activity in the human brain using electrophysiological evidence. Grid cells encode spatial positions evenly distributed across space, creating a honeycomb pattern that tiles the environment.

Did mosasaurs hunt like killer whales?

University of Cincinnati biology professor Takuya Konishi proposes that mosasaurs hunted like killer whales by ramming their prey with their snouts. The young Tylosaurus mosasaur found in Kansas had a similar facial structure to orcas, with a protruding snout and robust cranial vault.

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.

Oscillations provide insights into the brain's navigation system

Researchers have discovered that brain oscillations can be used to measure the activity of grid cells, which form the brain's navigation system. This breakthrough may lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease by testing impaired functionality.

Cancer stem cells use normal genes in abnormal ways

A study found that cancer stem cells with MHC Class I molecules upregulate and retain CDK1 protein, allowing them to initiate tumor growth. Sox2 transcription factor plays a key role in maintaining their stemness.

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.

Low copper levels linked to fatter fat cells

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that low copper levels in cells make fat cells fatter by altering how they process fuels like fat and sugar. The study adds evidence that copper homeostasis could be a therapeutic target for metabolic disorders, including obesity.

UNIST celebrates newest cohort of rising-star distinguished professors

UNIST has selected 6 extraordinary scholars as 'Rising-star Distinguished Professor', recognizing their exceptional contributions to fields like Artificial Intelligence, Energy, and Materials Science. The honored faculty members will receive an honorarium for salary and research support.

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.

Dying star emits a whisper

A Caltech-led team observed a faint and rapidly fading supernova, suggesting the presence of an unseen companion gravitationally siphoning away the star's mass. The explosion resulted in a dead neutron star orbiting its dense companion, marking the first time scientists have witnessed the birth of a compact neutron star binary system.

Hidden gapless states on the path to semiconductor nanocrystals

Researchers find that a previously unreported intermediate radical zinc oxo-alkoxide cluster with gapless electronic states is formed before the growth of semiconducting ZnO phase. The transformation from insulator to conductor-like material occurs rapidly, and further heating leads to semiconductor properties.

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.

Pitt/UPMC BCI researchers receive $8 million in NIH funding

A team of University of Pittsburgh and UPMC researchers has received $8 million in NIH funding to expand their groundbreaking brain-computer interface (BCI) research, with the goal of restoring hand function via a robotic arm. The new funding will support critical next steps in their research.

Do lizards dream like us?

Researchers confirm lizards enter two distinct sleep states similar to slow-wave and REM sleep in humans and other animals. However, the study reveals differences in brain activity between species, including slower eye movements and unique cerebral patterns in lizard brains.

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.

How yeast cells detect genetic infections

Researchers discovered a novel defence mechanism in yeast cells that uses centromeres to detect and neutralize foreign genetic material. This mechanism ensures that potentially harmful DNA is confined within one cell, while the daughter cell contains only reliable DNA.

Stringent password policies help prevent fraud, study finds

Researchers at Indiana University discovered that requiring longer and more complicated passwords significantly lowers the risk of password reuse. The study analyzed password policies from 22 US universities and found that IU's policy resulted in a 99.98% low rate of password reuse.

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.