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Science News Archive 2018


Page 77 of 473

Hard cider, with a shot of sugar

Researchers analyzed 23 popular hard ciders and found that 60% of domestic brands contained added sugars from cane or corn syrup. The study's findings suggest that labels are not a reliable way to determine whether a cider has added sugar, due to discrepancies between expected and observed isotopic ratios.

More black South Africans are donating blood

The South African National Blood Service has increased the proportion of donations from black South Africans by fivefold since 2005. This significant improvement is attributed to the implementation of individual donation nucleic acid testing (NAT), which has reduced HIV transmission risks.

Can bacteria colonies be good neighbors?

Researchers studied bacterial ecological systems using experiments and computer models to investigate population dynamics, identifying key role of stochastic effects in early colony patterning. They also found that interactions between neighboring bacteria can amplify local variation, influencing competition outcomes.

A fully human system to cultivate skin cells for grafting

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School and Singapore General Hospital develop a fully human system to cultivate skin cells for grafting, eliminating the need for animal-derived products. This breakthrough method uses specific laminin proteins to support the growth of human keratinocytes in the laboratory.

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.

$6 million grant launches innovative genetic research at Bigelow Laboratory

The four-year project will develop and apply new tools to connect the functions of individual microbes to their genetic makeup in diverse marine and continental environments. Combing single-cell genomics with measurements of microbial metabolism will help understand the role of microbes in cycling biologically important compounds.

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.

Nanostraws deliver molecules to human cells safely and efficiently

Researchers have developed a new method to deliver molecules into human cells using nanostraws, which are tiny glass-like protrusions that poke equally tiny holes in cell walls. The technique is more precise, faster, and safer than existing methods, with the ability to deliver molecules in just 20 seconds.

Cytokine levels could predict immunotherapy problems

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified blood-based biomarkers that may help identify patients at greatest risk of developing autoimmune side effects from immunotherapy. The study found that levels of certain cytokines were particularly low before treatment in patients who developed immune-related adverse events.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Muscle-building proteins hold clues to ALS, muscle degeneration

Researchers at University of Colorado Boulder found that amyloid-like structures play a beneficial role in the development of healthy muscle tissue during regeneration. The discovery sheds new light on potential origins of diseases such as ALS, inclusion body myopathy, and muscular dystrophy.

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.

High-end solutions to extreme climate change in a new online resource

The IMPRESSIONS High-end Solutions Information Hub provides a scientifically robust understanding of the nature and scale of extreme climate change. The resource guides decision-makers in adaptation, mitigation, and sustainable development with interactive collections of results, recommendations, and methods.

New research recovers nutrients from seafood process water

A Chalmers University of Technology project has shown that process waters from the seafood industry contain valuable nutrients, such as proteins and micronutrients, which can be recycled and used in food or aquaculture feed. The research team recovered up to 98% of protein and 99% of omega-3 rich fats from these waters.

Study links cottonseed oil with lower cholesterol

Researchers at the University of Georgia found that a high-fat diet enriched with cottonseed oil improved cholesterol profiles in young adult men. Participants showed significant reductions in cholesterol and triglycerides on the cottonseed oil diet, compared to minimal changes on an olive oil-enriched diet.

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.

A bullet-proof heating pad

Researchers have created a wearable heater by modifying woven fabric with DuPont Kevlar fiber and nanowires, providing uniform heat and thermal insulation. The material is strong, flexible, breathable, and washable, making it suitable for use in cold-weather clothing.

Fertilizers' impact on soil health compared

Research finds that long-term annual application of manure improves most soil quality properties compared to inorganic fertilizer. Manure increases soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and water-stable aggregates, while reducing soil electrical conductivity.

Cocaine adulterant may cause brain damage

Researchers at the University of Zurich found that people who take cocaine cut with levamisole show impaired cognitive performance and a thinned prefrontal cortex. The study suggests that drug-checking programs should be expanded to protect users from the toxic effects of levamisole.

What happened in the past when the climate changed?

Researchers developed a computer model showing how climate change affected food production in ancient Asia, leading to crop diversification, trade networks, and the development of the Silk Road. The study suggests that adapting to climate change requires investing in diversity and innovation.

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.

Machines that learn language more like kids do

A new parser developed by MIT researchers can learn language through observation, mimicking a child's process, to improve human-machine interaction and natural language processing. The parser uses captioned videos to associate words with objects and actions, allowing it to accurately predict sentence meaning without direct context.

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.

Flexible, stable and potent against cancer

Scientists have developed novel conjugates made from antibodies and a kinesin spindle protein inhibitor, showing high effectiveness in vitro and tumor models. The linker between components allows for tuning the activity of the cytostatic drug, reducing side effects in cancer treatment.

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.

These new techniques expose your browsing history to attackers

Researchers have discovered four new ways to 'history sniffing' attacks, which can profile a user's online activity in seconds and work across recent web browsers. The attacks can be used by hackers to learn which websites users have visited, and could also be deployed by legitimate companies for marketing and advertising purposes.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Advertising in kids' apps more prevalent than parents may realize

A new study found that 95% of kids' apps contain at least one form of advertising, including pop-up ads, persuasive characters, and overt banner ads. The study highlights concerns about digital disparities and the potential negative impact of commercial influences on children's play and creativity.

Tiny light detectors work like gecko ears

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a system that uses tiny detectors to map the angle of incoming light waves, inspired by the unique structure of geckos' ears. This technology could support advances in lens-less cameras, augmented reality, and robotic vision.

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.

Gender inequality could be driving the deaths of girls under 5

A study by Queen Mary University of London reveals that countries with higher levels of gender inequality have a disproportionate number of female child deaths. Girls in these societies face unequal access to healthcare and are more likely to be at risk of mortality due to their sex.

UMN Medical School researchers contribute to important neurological discovery

Researchers used calcium imaging techniques to visualize spontaneous activity patterns in the mature visual cortex, finding precise organizational networks in the cerebral cortex much earlier than previously thought. These networks predict future brain function and are critical for processing complex sensory input.

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.

Flood of genome data hinders efforts to ID bacteria

A recent study published in Genome Biology found that the rapid growth of genomic databases is affecting the accuracy of bacterial species identification. The research, led by Rice University scientist Todd Treangen, reveals that the imbalance in database coverage hinders the ability to quickly identify pathogens.

Tests show integrated quantum chip operations possible

An Australian research team has experimentally realised a crucial combination of two fundamental quantum techniques on a silicon chip, confirming the promise of silicon for quantum computing. The integrated design combines single-spin addressability and a qubit read-out process vital for quantum error correction.

When silence acts as a mirror

A study by the Society for Consumer Psychology reveals that people generally assume silent group members share their own opinions, even when outnumbered. This 'mirror effect' could lead leaders to misinterpret group consensus and quiet individuals to inaccurately agree with dominant views.

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.

Giant flightless birds were nocturnal and possibly blind

Research led by the University of Texas at Austin found that giant flightless birds had tiny brains processing vision, indicating a nocturnal lifestyle. The findings also revealed differences in olfactory bulbs between species, suggesting distinct habitats.

NSF awards two grants for polymer research

Researchers at Virginia Tech aim to create new ways to use renewably sourced plant and wood polymers to tackle long-standing challenges in medical drug solubility. The project focuses on designing biodegradable polymers that can help orally administered drugs reach the bloodstream effectively.

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.

Research may shed light on controlling catastrophic disease of bats

Researchers aim to combat white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungus affecting bat populations, by exploring the use of ultra-violet light to clean cave environments. The study, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, could potentially enhance bat survival rates, supporting critical ecosystem services.

An end to arachnophobia 'just a heartbeat away'

A new study found that exposing people with phobias to their fear at the exact time of their heartbeats significantly reduces phobia severity. Researchers combined computerized therapy with online heart rhythm measurements to treat patients with spider phobia, showing improved anxiety levels and reduced physiological responses.