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Science News Archive 2018


Page 71 of 473

Deconstructing crowd noise at college basketball games

Using machine learning algorithms, researchers analyzed high-fidelity acoustic measurements from basketball games to identify patterns in the raw data that indicate what the crowd was doing. The study revealed six clusters corresponding to different emotions and actions, allowing for the early detection of unruly or violent behavior.

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.

Dam problems, win-win solutions

A team of researchers identified potential decisions that maximize combined ecological and economic benefits by simulating trade-offs and using machine-learning approach. They found opportunities to improve balance between certain criteria by coordinating multiple dam decisions at larger spatial scales.

Researchers show that a high-protein diet does not affect kidney function

Researchers analyzed data from 28 papers involving over 1,300 participants and found no evidence linking high protein diets to kidney disease in healthy individuals or those at risk of kidney disease. A high-protein diet can actually increase kidney function, making it a safe and important tool for muscle health across the lifespan.

New gene therapy reprograms brain glial cells into neurons

A new gene therapy can reprogram brain glial cells into functioning neurons, potentially treating stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers hope the innovative technology may one day help patients with severe neurological disorders.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Taming plasmas: Improving fusion using microwaves

Researchers successfully employed microwaves to suppress Alfvén waves in plasmas, a crucial step towards harnessing clean and nearly limitless energy through fusion. The study, conducted at the DIII-D National Fusion Facility and ASDEX-Upgrade facility, demonstrates the potential of using electron cyclotron waves to control wave activity.

Detecting E. coli strains using molecular electronics

A team of scientists has developed a new method for detecting specific strains of E. coli using molecular electronics, which could lead to rapid and straightforward detection of pathogens and antimicrobial resistant bacterial strains.

Cultural diversity in behavioral studies

Researchers explore culturally distinct child-rearing practices and social interaction patterns among neighboring chimpanzee populations. Diverse study samples and methods reveal challenges to presumed universals of psychological and behavioral diversity across cultures.

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.

Laser architecture can create complex structures to probe, control matter

Researchers developed a universal light modulator to create complex structures for probing and controlling matter. This architecture generates arbitrary light structures with programmable beamlets, enabling new scientific and technological frontiers in photonics applications that require high power.

New attacks on graphics processors endanger user privacy

Researchers have discovered three types of attacks that can be launched using a computer's graphics processing unit (GPU) to spy on web activity, steal passwords, and break into cloud-based applications. The attacks work by exploiting vulnerabilities in the GPU's memory utilization and performance counters.

Clues for drugging the 'undruggable'

Researchers have identified a new way to target and degrade a class of proteins called zinc finger transcription factors, which play critical roles in health and disease. By modifying thalidomide analogs, scientists can selectively degrade specific zinc fingers, offering a promising lead for developing new cancer treatments.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Violent crime raises blood pressure even among those living in safe areas

Research found that rising violent crime rates were associated with higher odds of high blood pressure among residents living in low-crime communities, even if they weren't directly exposed to crime. The study suggests that the environment affects heart health and stress responses can vary between neighborhoods.

Enhanced views of Earth tectonics

Scientists have used satellite gravity data from the GOCE mission to image the structure of the Earth's lithosphere, revealing large-scale tectonic features and complex patterns in ancient cratons. These findings improve our understanding of Antarctica's deep structure and its connection to the rest of the planet.

Hydropower, innovations and avoiding international dam shame

The study highlights the social and environmental costs of hydropower dams, including displacement of people and disruption of natural ecosystems. Experts propose alternative technologies like instream turbine technology to transform the hydropower sector and ensure sustainable energy.

Pulmonary TB can be cured with shorter treatment, study finds

Researchers found that targeted therapies could be more effective in treating TB, which killed an estimated 1.3 million people worldwide last year. Patients with minimal disease showed high efficacy with four-month treatments, while those with moderate or severe disease required longer treatment durations.

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.

Small genetic differences turn plants into better teams

Researchers discovered that even tiny genetic variations between plants can significantly improve their combined yield when grown together in mixed communities. By analyzing the genetic makeup of different plant crosses, they identified key genes responsible for enhancing team performance.

Laboratory experiments probe the formation of stars and planets

Researchers used a rotating water-filled device to simulate the magnetorotational instability, which helps explain how matter falls inward to form planets in a reasonable time. The experiment confirmed the strong impact of magnetic forces on metal behavior, paving the way for a clearer understanding of accretion disk dynamics.

Hot temperatures can trigger an RNA response in plants

A team of Penn State researchers found that hot temperatures lead to changes in plant RNA structure, linked to a loss in messenger RNAs. This process may help plants cope with heat stress and drought conditions, offering insights into developing more resilient crops.

Nutrient-recycling microbes may feel the heat

A study by UCR researcher Sydney Glassman explored how climate change affects the ability of microbes to recycle nutrients. The research found that specific microbial communities play an independent role in decomposition, and their response to climate change is not solely dependent on the environment they reside in.

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.

New material cleans and splits water

A new MOF-based photocatalytic system has been developed to simultaneously produce hydrogen and degrade organic pollutants in water. The system utilizes nickel phosphide and demonstrates efficient photocatalysis under visible light.

Shorter sleep can lead to dehydration

A study by Penn State found that adults who sleep six hours per night have significantly more concentrated urine and higher odds of dehydration compared to those who sleep eight hours. This is due to the body's hormonal system regulating hydration, particularly the hormone vasopressin.

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.

Despite government claims, orangutan populations have not increased

Scientists criticize Indonesia's method of assessing management impacts on wildlife trends, highlighting a mismatch between government reports and independent data. Orangutans are facing serious threats from deforestation and killing, with populations declining by at least 25% over the past decade.

Dairy herding in Bronze Age steppes

Researchers found evidence of sheep, cow, and goat milk consumption in late Bronze Age human remains from Mongolia. Genetic analysis revealed limited gene flow between western and eastern steppe populations, but cultural transmission led to the adoption of dairy herding in Bronze Age Mongolia.

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.

Air pollution linked to autism: study

A Monash University study found a strong link between air pollution and the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. Exposure to fine particles (PM2.5) from vehicle exhausts, industrial emissions, and other sources increased the risk of ASD by up to 78%. The study adds to previous research on prenatal air pollution ex...

New conservation approach

A new Stanford-led study supports a conservation approach that focuses broadly on ecoregions, providing evidence that these regions meaningfully divide plant and animal communities. This opens a path to more affordable and effective protection of little-known species and valuable natural services.

Organisms with small genomes, cells found thriving in hot soils

A new study finds that organisms with small genomes and cells are well-suited for life in hot soils, even in extreme conditions. The research reveals a link between these microbes and ancient permafrost genome sizes, sparking questions about the minimum requirements for cell and genome size.

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.

Exploring hydropower sustainability

Large dams are not sustainable due to environmental and social concerns, but in-stream turbine technology protects fish and delivers energy locally. This technology can be part of a large sustainable energy portfolio combining solar, wind, and biomass energy production.

Weather and US maize yields

Researchers found that US maize has seen a yield increase of around 28% since 1981 due to beneficial changes in weather and farming practices. The study attributes this growth to warmer temperatures allowing for earlier planting and more favorable conditions.

Music improves social communication in autistic children

Researchers found that music-based therapy improved autistic children's social communication skills and family quality of life. The study also showed increased brain connectivity between auditory and motor regions, potentially explaining the benefits. Music intervention was effective even after only eight to 12 weekly sessions.

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.

Violence in childhood leads to accelerated aging, study finds

A new study by the University of Washington links childhood violence to accelerated biological aging in children as young as 8 years old. The researchers found that exposure to violence in childhood can affect both epigenetic and cellular aging, as well as pubertal development.

Turning marginal farmlands into a win for farmers and ecosystems

Researchers have found that planting shrub willow and switchgrass in marginal lands reduces fertilizer nitrate levels, controlling erosion and improving water quality. This integrated land management approach also generates biomass for biofuel and supports pollinators and other wildlife.

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.

Adapting to Amazon forest dieback

The Amazon forest dieback hypothesis predicts a climate-driven shift of the region's rainforests, with estimated costs ranging from $957 to $3,589 billion over 30 years. Preemptive actions, such as curbing deforestation, are likely to be beneficial even in the absence of the dieback.

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.

WSU researchers see cognitive changes in offspring of heavy cannabis-using rats

Researchers at Washington State University have found that heavy cannabis use during pregnancy can affect the cognitive development of offspring. The study used a new model of exposure to recreate human-like cannabis use and found that rats exposed to high amounts of cannabis had trouble adjusting their strategy to get rewards.

Realizing the potential of gene therapy for neurological disorders

New research presents promising results from preclinical studies using gene therapy to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological disorders. Gene therapy has been successfully used to slow disease progression and improve symptoms in mouse models.

Trial finds diet rich in fish helps fight asthma

A clinical trial found that eating fish twice a week as part of a Mediterranean diet can significantly decrease lung inflammation in children with mild asthma. The study involved 64 children from Greece and showed improved lung function after six months.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Griffith precision measurement takes it to the limit

Researchers at Griffith University have developed a procedure for making precise measurements of speed, acceleration and material properties possible. Using photons and entanglement, they achieved sensitivity approaching the Heisenberg limit, outperforming previous experiments.

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.

Solitary confinement puts brains at risk

The practice of solitary confinement has been shown to alter brain structures and behaviors, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. As social isolation becomes a growing problem in the US, scientists and experts are exploring ways to mitigate its effects.