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Science News Archive 2018


Page 129 of 473

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Insomnia symptoms, overall health improve with online insomnia program

A new study found that an online insomnia program using digital cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) improved not only insomnia symptoms but also daytime functioning and overall health. The program, called Sleepio, was used by 1,711 participants and showed significant improvements in global health and mental wellbeing.

Stevens' quantum research and education piques US interest

Stevens Institute of Technology has received $750,000 NSF RAISE-EQuIP grant funding to advance quantum communication research. Physicists Yuping Huang and Stefan Strauf will develop scalable integrated chip technology to create entangled photons for secure information networks.

Study reveals patterns in STEM grades of girls versus boys

The analysis found that girls and boys perform similarly in STEM subjects, with the top 10% of a class containing equal numbers of girls and boys. Girls' lower variability in academic grades may be due to stereotypical societal beliefs about what fields they are seen to be successful in, as well as subconscious biases.

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.

Minimally invasive autopsy improves postmortem diagnoses

A study published in Radiology found that minimally invasive autopsy with CT and MRI performs as well as conventional autopsy in detecting cause of death, yielding more diagnoses. The procedure provides a permanent record of the entire body that can be revisited and reanalyzed by pathologists, radiologists, clinicians, and next-of-kin.

Motor learning for precise motor execution

Researchers found that both internal models are necessary for precise movement: learning to move and where to move. This discovery may lead to the development of new clinical tests and training methods for athletes, particularly those with cerebellar ataxia.

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.

Built-in sound amplifier helps male mosquitoes find females

Researchers found that male mosquitoes amplify female wingbeats using a phantom tone, creating an auditory illusion that helps them locate mates. The study's findings could lead to the development of acoustic lures for controlling disease-carrying mosquito populations.

The grim, final days of a mother octopus

A study by neurobiologists at UChicago sheds light on the grim final days of a female octopus after reproduction. The researchers found that the optic gland produces distinct molecular signals that control a mother octopus' behavior, leading to its decline and eventual death.

R. David Britt receives 2018 Zavoisky Award

Dr. R. David Britt received the prestigious Zavoisky Award for his groundbreaking work on enzymes and electron paramagnetic resonance. He will receive a cash prize of €5,000 and deliver a lecture on solar energy.

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.

Skin wounds in older mice are less likely to scar

Researchers discovered that older mice exhibit increased tissue regeneration and decreased scar formation in skin wounds. The findings were confirmed in human studies, suggesting that aging suppresses the circulating factor SDF1, which promotes scar formation. The study's authors hope to develop a drug to prevent scarring in humans.

How leaves talk to roots

A microRNA called miR2111 travels from leaves to roots, downregulating a gene that would hinder root responses to symbiotic bacteria. This finding helps understand the mechanisms of efficient nitrogen-fixing symbiosis and potential ways to exploit it agronomically.

Researchers help to bridge the gap between psychology and gamification

A research team at the University of Waterloo has defined gameful experience as a psychological state resulting from three characteristics: perceived achievable goals, motivation under arbitrary rules, and voluntary actions. This unifying concept aims to clarify terminology and improve gameful system design.

Study: Microbial dark matter dominates Earth's environments

A new study estimates that up to a quarter of the microbes on Earth could be uncultured and dominate nearly all environments except the human body. The research, led by Karen Lloyd, used computational power to analyze 1.5 million DNA sequences and found that as many as 30 phyla of unseen microbes exist.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Urbanization is cutting off life support to NYC's wetlands

A recent study found that urbanization is weakening the shoreline of New York City's Jamaica Bay wetlands, causing erosion and loss of vital mineral sediment. The marshes are being drained of essential sediments, leading to their gradual but dramatic disintegration.

Boston College launches Global Observatory on Pollution and Health

The observatory will collaborate with the Center for Climate, Health and the Global Environment at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to study the impact of pollution on children's health, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and brain function in children. The Observatory aims to mobilize society to see pollution as a serious threat...

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.

The taller you are, the more likely you may develop varicose veins

A study published in Circulation Journal found that increased height increases the risk of developing varicose veins, as well as genes that determine height influencing the development of the condition. Researchers also discovered a strong genetic correlation between deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins.

Lancaster professor to research how genes affect quitting smoking

A $929,475 project aims to understand genetic variation and its role in optimizing smoking cessation treatment choice using data from nine existing clinical trials. The research will provide unparalleled precision medicine to improve the prediction of who is more likely to quit smoking based on their genetics.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A turbo boost for materials science

A team from Lehigh University and UC Berkeley is developing an efficient Bayesian-guided computational framework to guide the search for new materials. This approach leverages deep learning neural networks to accelerate traditional physics-based simulation methods, enabling researchers to explore previously computationally intractable ...

Birds reinvent voice box in novel evolutionary twist

Researchers discover birds evolved a new vocal organ, syrinx, instead of modifying an existing one. The syrinx raises questions about changes in bird vocalization over time and sheds light on mechanisms driving new structure development.

To dispel myths, redirect the belief, study says

Researchers found that listening to a speaker repeat a belief increases its believability, especially for those with existing beliefs. However, hearing accurate information overrides myths for those on the fence. The study's findings have potential implications for policymakers seeking to correct misinformation in vulnerable communities.

WSU to HEAL the state's rural biomedical career shortage

Washington State University has been awarded a five-year grant to increase the number and diversity of students from rural Washington who enter biomedical careers. The project, called HEAL, uses art-based learning to engage underrepresented communities in STEM education.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Birds' voiceboxes are odd ducks

A study examining the windpipes of birds, crocodiles, salamanders, mice, and cats found deep similarities in the presence of a reinforced airway structure, suggesting that the syrinx may have evolved for structural support. This challenges the long-held assumption that the syrinx is an evolutionary odd duck.

Four extremely young asteroid families identified

Researchers affiliated with São Paulo State University have identified four extremely young asteroid families using a numerical simulation method. The newly discovered families are estimated to be less than 7 million years old and were dated using the backward integration method, which is precise for young families.

Breakthrough in blending metals

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a method to synthesize multimetallic clusters with precise control of size and composition, opening up new possibilities for advanced functional materials. The team successfully formed clusters composed of up to six metal elements, including platinum.

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.

How fruits got their eye-catching colors

New evidence supports the idea that fruits develop eye-catching colors to attract animal dispersers. Fruits eaten by mammals have higher reflectance in the green spectrum, while those dispersed by birds reflect more in the red. The study also found a link between fruit color and environmental factors such as UV light.

DNA analysis reveals evidence of ancient pathogen

Researchers analyzed ancient DNA from a human skeleton in Scandinavia to determine the genomic blueprint of the louse-borne relapsing fever pathogen Borrelia recurrentis. The study found that the ancient strain had fewer genes for antigenic variation and retained a regulatory gene, suggesting reductive evolution.

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.

New AGS-NIA conference report explores links between senses and cognitive health

Experts discuss the connection between impaired vision, hearing, and cognition, highlighting the need to understand their inter-related processes and develop new tools to measure sensory and cognitive impairments. The report outlines important priorities for future scholarship and clinical practice to address these health concerns.

Overweight pregnant women can safely cut calories, restrict weight gain

A Northwestern University study shows that obese and overweight pregnant women can safely restrict weight gain through healthy diet and lifestyle habits guided by a smartphone app. This approach resulted in normal birth weights and reduced the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia.

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.

Breakthrough in designing a better Salmonella vaccine

Researchers discovered that non-circulating memory T cells offer optimal protection against Salmonella infection, leading to the development of more effective and safe vaccines. The study's findings have significant implications for addressing enteric fever and invasive non-typhoidal Salmonellosis in resource-poor communities.

Parasite makes quick exit when researchers remove the handbrake

Melbourne researchers have discovered a way to halt the invasion of the toxoplasmosis-causing parasite into cells, depriving it of a key factor necessary for its growth. This breakthrough could lead to a vaccine or treatment for Toxoplasmosis and shed light on general processes involved in other diseases caused by related parasites.

Rice U. study sheds light on -- and through -- 2D materials

Scientists created a comprehensive guide to the optical properties of 2D materials, enabling the design of smaller devices and polarizing filters. The research revealed surprising optical signatures in each material, with some absorbing or reflecting specific wavelengths of light.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.