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Science News Archive 2018


Page 205 of 473

New class of materials could be used to make batteries that charge faster

New class of materials has been identified that can be used to make batteries that charge faster. Lithium ions move through the materials at rates that exceed typical electrode materials, resulting in a much faster-charging battery. The researchers found that these materials, known as niobium tungsten oxides, do not result in higher en...

Tropical forests may soon hinder, not help, climate change effort

Current tropical forests' capacity to absorb carbon dioxide is being compromised by deforestation and climate change, threatening global temperature rise goals. Researchers estimate that forests are currently absorbing as much CO2 as they generate through deforestation and degradation.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Curbs on legal highs cut need for hospital care, study suggests

Researchers found a significant drop in hospital admissions for toxic effects of so-called legal highs after UK government restrictions and local council measures were implemented. This led to healthcare savings, suggesting that these measures were effective in preventing drug-related harm.

Possible death of the universe scenario proposed

A new theory suggests that a dynamical system singularity may not be a physical reality, allowing the universe to evolve infinitely. The study, published in Physical Review D, proposes an alternate gravity model that includes quadratic scalar invariants and corresponds with Alexei Starobinsky's inflational theory.

How number crunching can optimize crisp frying

A team of mathematicians from around the world collaborated to solve real-world problems faced by industry. By applying mathematical models to the manufacture of stackable fabricated potato chips, they aimed to predict cooking times, optimize chip position, and improve the overall efficiency of the process.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

EPFL uses excitons to take electronics into the future

A team of EPFL researchers has created a new type of transistor using excitons, enabling effective operation at room temperature. The breakthrough uses two 2D materials to manipulate exciton lifespans and control their movement, paving the way for optoelectronic devices with reduced energy consumption and increased efficiency.

An insect-inspired drone deforms upon impact

Researchers have developed a hybrid origami drone that can switch between stiff and flexible structures depending on the situation. The drone's unique structure allows it to absorb shock upon impact, reducing damage and increasing safety.

Why men say they've had more lifetime sexual partners than women

A new study found that men's reports of lifetime sexual partners are skewed by extreme numbers and estimating rather than counting, contributing to the notorious 'gender gap'. Adjusting for attitudes towards casual sex and excluding paid-for partners narrowed the gap.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Typhoon Wukong opens an Eye to NASA's Terra satellite

Typhoon Wukong developed a clearly visible eye in a NASA Terra satellite image on July 25, 2018. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 65 knots (75 mph) at the time of observation, and forecasters predict it will quickly weaken as it tracks over cooler waters.

Sunless tanning may not be the answer to preventing skin cancer

A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that adults who use sunless tanning products continue to engage in risky tanning behaviors, such as indoor tanning and sunburn. The researchers suggest that these products may inadvertently reinforce desires for tanned skin, making them ineffective in reducing skin cancer rates.

Mapping mountaintop coal mining's yearly spread in Appalachia

A new web-based mapping tool shows the land laid bare by mountaintop coal mining in central Appalachia each year, going back more than three decades. The tool estimates that between 1985 and 2015, an average of 21,000 acres was converted to bare earth and rubble annually.

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.

It's time to 3D sketch with air scaffolding

A KAIST team introduced Agile 3D Sketching with Air Scaffolding, combining hand motions and pen-based sketching to create 3D shapes. The technique allows designers to reduce time while enhancing accuracy in defining proportion and scale of products.

Benefits of early antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected children

The ANRS CLEAC study found that early antiretroviral therapy in infants reduces the risk of death in early childhood and decreases the viral reservoir, promoting a healthier immune system. This benefit persists into late childhood and even adulthood, marking a significant milestone in HIV treatment.

A breath test for early-stage Parkinson's

Researchers developed a sensor to detect early-stage Parkinson's disease from patient breath, achieving 79% sensitivity and 84% specificity. The device detected differences in the exhaled breath of newly diagnosed patients, outperforming diagnostic smell tests and ultrasound scans.

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.

UM professor named American Meteorological Society Fellow

Ben Kirtman, a University of Miami Rosenstiel School professor, has been recognized as an American Meteorological Society Fellow for his outstanding work in weather, water and climate. He is known for developing prediction systems and studying the limits of climate predictability.

Turbo-charging chemotherapy for lung cancer

Australian researchers found that follistatin, a naturally occurring hormone, can enhance the effectiveness of platinum-based chemotherapy and prevent kidney damage in lung cancer patients. The 'two birds, one stone' approach has shown promising results in mouse models.

New target is an apparent triple threat to pneumonia

Scientists have identified a new target for treating pneumonia, which shows promise in restoring tight barriers and improving fluid clearance. The target is ENaC-alpha, a subunit of natural channels that mediate sodium uptake and play a role in fluid movement.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Creating 'synthetic' fossils in the lab sheds light on fossilization processes

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new experimental protocol to create synthetic fossils in the lab. This method uses sediment filtration to mimic the conditions of deep burial and has successfully preserved soft tissues, including feathers and leaves, similar to exceptional fossils. The findings offer insights i...

The blueprint for El Niño diversity

A new study reveals that El Niño diversity arises from the interaction between Eastern and Central Pacific oscillations, leading to irregular occurrence and complex behavior. This understanding is crucial for predicting El Niño events accurately in a warming world.

Great Barrier Reef reveals rapid changes of ancient glaciers

Research on ancient coral cores from the Great Barrier Reef reveals two distinct periods of rapid sea level fluctuations between 22,000 and 19,000 years ago. These findings challenge current understanding of glacier dynamics and suggest that climate models may need to be revised to account for faster changes.

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.

NASA's most technically complex space observatory requires precision

The James Webb Space Telescope boasts unparalleled capabilities, including a revolutionary lightweight carbon-composite material and exceptional load-bearing capability in extreme temperatures. Its advanced design enables it to unfold flawlessly by remote control and operate at extremely low temperatures.

Feds back Rice U. study of nanoscale electrocatalysis

The US Department of Energy awards Rice University researchers $1.1 million to develop single-particle spectroscopy techniques and analyze mechanisms to improve nanoparticle-based electrocatalysts. The goal is to fine-tune nanoscale electrocatalysts for future applications in various industrial processes.

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Engaging patients in health care redesign improves outcomes

A systematic review suggests that active patient engagement can inform education, tools, planning, and policy, leading to improved quality of care and governance. Higher levels of patient engagement are associated with more substantial outcomes, such as redesigning care systems and adding support services.

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.

Billions of dollars on AIDS prevention: Did any of it work?

The study found that provinces receiving high PEPFAR funding experienced significant reductions in infant mortality, saving the lives of many Kenyan children. However, the effectiveness of the program varies across countries and regions with different HIV prevalence rates.

Adult fish 'predict' availability of food for their young

A recent study by Anna Neuheimer and colleagues found that adult fish adjust their spawning time to match the timing of their prey, allowing their offspring to survive. This adaptation is crucial for population size and future fisheries catch, as it enables young fish to meet their food needs in a seasonal environment.

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.

Easy-Bake fossils

Researchers at Field Museum create 'Easy-Bake fossils' by simulating the fossilization process in a lab, allowing for more accurate interpretations of ancient organisms. The method enables scientists to study the preservation of soft tissues and biomolecules, shedding light on evolution and biology.

Smokers hazy on actual benefits of lung cancer screenings

A recent study found that patients who smoke often misunderstand the benefits and limitations of lung cancer screenings. While LDCT scans can lower mortality rates, they do not reduce the risk of developing lung cancer. Quitting smoking remains the most effective way to prevent this disease.

Half of female students experience psychological distress, CAMH study shows

A recent study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that over half of female students in Ontario experience moderate to serious psychological distress. The survey also revealed a strong link between technology use and mental health issues, with 20% of students spending five or more hours on social media daily.

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.

Tickborne diseases are likely to increase, say NIAID officials

The incidence of tickborne infections in the US has risen significantly over the past decade. Lyme disease, caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, accounts for most reported cases, with over 30,000 annual cases in the US but an estimated 10 times that number.

Unisexual salamander evolution: A long, strange trip

Researchers at Ohio State University found that unisexual salamanders rarely borrow DNA from other species, despite persisting for millions of years. The study suggests that their unique reproductive strategy may be linked to environmental changes or specific interactions with other 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.

New strategy for cancer therapy spells double trouble for tumors

Scientists at Scripps Research discovered that inhibiting Rad52 can target and kill tumors with a deficient gene, such as triple-negative breast cancers. This approach exploits synthetic lethality, where cells with both defects die, reducing side effects and toxicity.

How was Mediterranean diet associated with severity of psoriasis?

Researchers found an inverse association between Mediterranean diet adherence and psoriasis severity, suggesting patients with severe psoriasis adhered less strongly to the diet. The study analyzed data from over 35,000 participants and used a scoring system to assess dietary adherence.

A new catalyst for water splitting that is the best of both worlds

Researchers developed a hybrid catalyst that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen efficiently, addressing previous limitations of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. The new material, made of iridium dinuclear heterogeneous catalysts attached to a tungsten oxide substrate, offers improved stability and recyclability.

Faulty cytoskeleton impairs immune cells

A rare genetic defect in the WDR1 protein impairs the ability of lymphocytes to rearrange their actin cytoskeleton, leading to aberrant T-cell activation and B-cell development. This study expands the phenotypic spectrum of WDR1 deficiency, highlighting its impact on both innate and adaptive immunity.

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.

Multiple pregnancies might make women's cells 'age' faster

A Northwestern University study suggests that multiple pregnancies can lead to accelerated biological aging in women, as measured by telomere length and epigenetic age. Women with more pregnancies showed signs of faster cellular aging, even when currently pregnant, which challenges the idea that pregnancy itself makes women look younger.

Feel lightheaded when standing up? You may have a greater risk of dementia

A new study found that middle-aged individuals with orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up, are at a greater risk of developing dementia and stroke decades later. Those with orthostatic hypotension had a 54% higher risk of dementia and twice the risk of ischemic stroke compared to those without it.