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Science News Archive 2018


Page 48 of 473

Hydraulic fracturing and water quality

A study in central Pennsylvania found chemical and isotopic evidence of upward methane migration from the Marcellus shale, suggesting geochemical indicators for distinguishing recent methane contamination. The research also identified geological features facilitating methane migration near hydraulically fractured shale gas wells.

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.

Using Skype to beat the blues

A study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that video chat technology, such as Skype, significantly reduces the risk of depression among older adults. Researchers compared four online communication technologies and discovered that video chat had almost half the estimated probability of depressive symptoms.

Scientists trained a computer to classify breast cancer tumors

Scientists at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center develop a computer algorithm to analyze breast cancer images and identify tumor characteristics. The AI system achieves high accuracy in distinguishing between low-intermediate and high-grade tumors, as well as estrogen receptor status and molecular subtypes.

Color vision variation in guppies influences female mate preference

Research reveals that variation in opsin gene expression affects guppy females' preferences for male orange colors, highlighting the interplay between visual properties and mate choice. Genetic polymorphisms and environmental factors contribute to differing light sensitivity, driving the evolution of diverse male sexual colors.

Greenhouse gases triggering more changes than we can handle

A new study reveals that climate change is impacting human health, food supply, infrastructure, and economy through 467 ways, including warming, drought, heatwaves, wildfires, precipitation, floods, and sea level rise. By 2100, the number of hazards occurring concurrently will increase, making it difficult for people to cope.

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.

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 topological insulator' makes its own magnetic field

Researchers discovered a two-dimensional material that can become a magnetic topological insulator even without an external magnetic field. The material, chromium triiodide (CrI3), exhibits collective spin excitations called magnons, which behave similarly to photon waves.

Where the brain turns quality and quantity into value

Researchers pinpointed the anterior cingulate cortex as the brain region responsible for integrating disparate information to inform 'on-the-fly' decision-making. Activity in this region was associated with combining quality and quantity, while other areas linked to interaction between these factors were also activated.

4,000-year-old termite mounds found in Brazil are visible from space

Researchers found vast network of interconnected termite mounds in northeastern Brazil, covering area similar to Great Britain, with soil excavated over 10 cubic kilometers. The mounds are up to 4,000 years old and were formed by a single termite species that accessed dead leaves safely.

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.

Digital offense: Anonymity dulls our moral outrage

New research reveals that people react less strongly to malicious speech on digital platforms, seeing victims as less harmed. The study found mixed results but suggests anonymity can dampen social cues, leading to numbing effects from online harassment.

Let's draw!: New deep learning technique for realistic caricature art

A team of computer scientists developed a novel deep learning-based approach to automatically generate realistic caricatures from portraits. Their method, called CariGANs, successfully generated clearer and more accurate caricature depictions that resemble hand-drawn artwork by professionals.

Widely used reference for the human genome is missing 300 million bits of DNA

A team of Johns Hopkins scientists analyzed DNA sequences from 910 individuals of African descent and found 300 million base pairs of genetic material missing from the current human genome reference. This discovery highlights the need for more diverse reference genomes to better understand genetic variations across populations.

Critical collections

Research highlights creative uses of biological collections to understand global change, including study of microbial diversity from museum specimens. Biological collections are threatened by digitization and destruction, but preserving them is essential for unlocking their hidden data and understanding the history of life on Earth.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The subtle science of wok tossing

Researchers at Georgia Tech discover that wok tossing is a critical aspect of cooking fried rice, involving two oscillating motions: translational and rotational. By understanding these motions, they aim to develop robotic designs for automated fried rice cooking.

Dogs know when they don't know

Researchers found that dogs search for additional information significantly more often when they have not seen where the reward is hidden. However, their searching flexibility was limited compared to primates and humans.

Bending light around tight corners without backscattering losses

Researchers at Duke University have demonstrated a photonic crystal waveguide that directs photons of light around sharp corners with virtually no losses due to backscattering. This breakthrough enables the development of efficient light-based computing systems, which could replace electronic devices and save energy.

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.

Healthcare providers -- not hackers -- leak more of your data

A new study from Michigan State University and Johns Hopkins University found that more than half of recent healthcare data breaches were caused by internal negligence, rather than external hackers. The research identified six common categories of internal factors contributing to these breaches.

Spanking in developing countries does more harm than good

A new University of Michigan study suggests that spanking may be more harmful for children in developing countries than previously thought. The research, which analyzed data from 62 countries, found a link between physical discipline and lower social development among young children.

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.

Research offers hope for simpler cancer diagnosis and treatment

Researchers have developed a technique to isolate circulating tumor cells from blood, allowing for the analysis of protein makeup without biopsies. This could lead to more effective therapies and better patient outcomes by monitoring treatment progress remotely.

From receptor structure to new osteoporosis drugs

Researchers have determined the three-dimensional structure of the PTH-1 receptor, a protein fragment involved in bone loss. This breakthrough enables the development of new drugs that may slow down or reverse osteoporosis without its current treatment's disadvantages.

Public perspectives on food risks

A survey of 2,537 US adults found that roughly half believe the average person faces a serious health risk from food additives over their lifetime. Similarly, about half think genetically modified foods are worse for one's health. Women and those with low science knowledge tend to express more concern about these issues.

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.

Seeing is believing: Monitoring real time changes during cell division

Scientists at Lancaster University created a fluorescent biosensor to visualize cilia and cell division simultaneously, enabling the study of their interplay in development, regeneration, and disease. This new tool will help researchers understand how changes in cilia dynamics affect cell division speed and tissue development.

Preserving shoulder function, quality of life, in breast cancer patients

Research reveals that women who undergo reconstructive surgeries using a large back muscle after radiation therapy experience significant losses in shoulder stability and function. Conversely, other methods such as pectoral muscle rebuild and abdominal tissue transfer produce equally good results for future shoulder function.

Glucose binding molecule could transform the treatment of diabetes

Scientists from the University of Bristol have designed a new synthetic glucose binding molecule platform that brings us closer to developing the world's first glucose-responsive insulin. This innovation could eliminate hypoglycemia and provide better metabolic control for people living with diabetes.

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.

When it comes to love: Personality matters: QUT research

A new QUT study reveals that men with a range of personality traits, particularly extraversion and emotional stability, tend to engage in sex more frequently. These individuals are also more likely to produce offspring. For women, being agreeable is linked to having more children.

Powerful new map depicts environmental degradation across Earth

A powerful new map by the University of Cincinnati illustrates dramatic changes in land use over the last quarter century, showing widespread deforestation and urbanization. The map highlights the devastating effects of climate change on the environment, including the shrinking Aral Sea and growing desertification in the Sahara Desert.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Genetic retroelements in eukaryotic evolution

Researchers discovered genetic retroelements copying into and harming bacterial genomes, indicating a potential role in eukaryotic cell emergence. The study suggests an interplay between DNA repair mechanisms and retroelements may have driven evolutionary pressures.

Four Argonne technologies receive 2018 R&D 100 Awards

Argonne researchers develop HyMag magnets increasing electric motor efficiency; Darshan software optimizes scientific data access; GRID-M provides near-real-time disaster supply chain status; Swift/T enables large-scale supercomputer calculations. These technologies have been recognized for their impact on various industries and fields

Skeletal imitation reveals how bones grow atom-by-atom

The study reveals how calcium phosphate molecules crystallize and build up into a perfectly arranged bone structure. Researchers used an artificial biomaterial to mimic natural bone tissue functions, allowing them to study the phenomenon at an atomic level.

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.

Childhood trauma and psychosis

Individuals with childhood trauma exhibit decreased hippocampal volume and correlations with high blood oxidation status, differing from those without trauma. This redox dysregulation may lead to distinct symptom profiles and cognitive deficits in psychosis patients.

The power of social support

A recent study on wild spotted hyaenas found that females dominate males because they receive more social support. The research revealed that social support is a key factor in determining dominance relationships between the sexes.

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.

Mount Sinai researchers study second-hand marijuana smoke in children

A study published in Pediatrics found that nearly half of children exposed to second-hand marijuana smoke had detectable levels of THC, a reliable indicator of exposure. Researchers also discovered that third-hand smoke exposure can occur when individuals smoke and the residue lingers on their skin, hair, or clothes.

Major natural carbon sink may soon become carbon source

Climate researchers warn that peatlands in the Peruvian Amazon may lose up to 500 million tons of carbon by the end of the century due to warmer temperatures and increased precipitation. This loss could lead to a significant increase in global carbon emissions, exacerbating climate change.

Sexual orientation identified as a risk factor in opioid misuse

A new study reveals that adults identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual are more likely to misuse opioids than heterosexual counterparts. Women who identify as bisexual are particularly at increased risk, with twice the likelihood of misuse compared to other groups.

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.

Cosmic serpent

The ESO's VLT captured the details of an elaborate serpentine system sculpted by colliding stellar winds, with Apep being a likely source of one of the most energetic phenomena in the Universe. The system consists of a nest of massive stars surrounded by a dust pinwheel.

RNAi therapy mitigates preeclampsia symptoms in UMass Medical School study

Researchers at UMass Medical School developed an siRNA therapy that reduces circulating sFLT1 levels and normalizes blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnant mice. The therapy shows promise as a potential strategy for treating preeclampsia in humans, but further studies are needed to optimize safety and efficacy.

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.