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Science News Archive April 2018


Page 15 of 42

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.

Why traffic accidents with cyclists are becoming increasingly more common

A study reveals that cyclist accidents are increasing due to inadequate infrastructures and risk behavior from drivers and cyclists. The research found that 47.2% of serious injuries occur on conventional urban roads, highlighting the need for improved road safety education and infrastructure design.

Porous salts for fuel cells

Researchers have created a new class of crystalline porous organic salts with exceptional proton conductivity, potentially revolutionizing fuel cell technology. The salts' unique structure and strong ionic bonds enable stable pore systems, making them highly efficient electrolytes for fuel cells.

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.

Novel antioxidant makes old blood vessels seem young again

Researchers found that taking a mitochondrial-specific antioxidant supplement improved blood vessel dilation by 42%, making them appear younger. The improvement was due to reduced oxidative stress and associated with a 13% reduction in heart disease risk.

USGS and DOE release nationwide wind turbine map and database

The USGS and DOE have released a comprehensive dataset of U.S. wind turbine locations and characteristics, enabling accurate planning and research. The database contains over 57,000 turbines and allows users to search and sort the wind fleet by various criteria.

New research: Eyes of adolescents could reveal risk of cardiovascular disease

Research found a link between poorer health-related quality of life in adolescence and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Adolescents with lower scores in social and mental well-being domains had structural changes in their retinal blood vessels, which could be indicative of future cardiovascular disease risk.

Smartphone app successfully promotes child car seat safety

A smartphone app designed to promote proper child car seat use has been shown to improve safety practices among parents. The app, Safety in Seconds v2.0, was tested in a randomized controlled trial involving over 700 participants and reported significant improvements in several child car seat behaviors.

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.

Low total testosterone in men widespread, linked to chronic disease

A new study found that low total testosterone levels are associated with chronic disease in men of all ages, including those under 40. The research team studied the relationship between testosterone, age, and chronic disease prevalence, using a population sample from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Exercise after a heart attack -- it could save your life

A recent study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that becoming more physically active after a myocardial infarction halves the risk of dying within four years. The research involved over 22,000 patients and showed that levels of physical activity were reported 6-10 weeks and 12 months after the heart attack.

In the surcharge blame game, companies tend to finish last

A study found that consumers tend to blame companies for imposing internal and external surcharges, even if the charges were imposed by an outside agency. The characteristics of the surcharge can shift blame, with customers being more likely to blame the firm if it's something internal.

Think diamonds are unyielding? Think again

Researchers have discovered a way to make diamonds flexible by etching tiny needles from artificial diamond films, achieving strains up to 9% and surpassing theoretical limits. The development holds implications for bioimaging, biosensing, and ultra-strength nanostructures, as well as optomechanical devices.

NASA GPM data used to evaluate Hawaii's flooding rainfall

In April 2018, a weather system caused destructive flooding and mudslides in Hawaii. The NASA GPM satellite provided detailed data on the heavy rainfall, showing that Kauai received over 478 mm of rain, with some areas experiencing even higher totals.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Great Barrier Reef corals can survive global warming for another century

Researchers found that Great Barrier Reef corals have enough genetic variation to adapt to rising ocean temperatures, allowing them to potentially survive for at least another century. This offers a glimmer of hope for conservation efforts, but also highlights the need to take action against global warming.

What's needed for the next WHO Biosafety Handbook

The next WHO Biosafety Handbook revision should prioritize local relevance, proportionate infrastructure and sustainable work practices. This new approach would ensure safe laboratory procedures with minimal resources in less developed countries.

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.

Using the right plants can reduce indoor pollution and save energy

Researchers recommend integrating smart-sensor-controlled air cleaning technologies with plants to optimize indoor air quality. Plants absorb carbon dioxide, increase humidity, and passively absorb pollutants, making them a potential solution for reducing indoor pollution and saving energy.

Study examines sperm production in men with testicular cancer

Increasing tumor size relative to testis size is linked to reduced sperm production in men with testicular cancer. The rule of 50s suggests that men with a testis tumor occupying greater than 50% of their testis have less than a 50% chance of sperm production.

Energy conversion: Optical 'overtones' for solar cells

Researchers at LMU have found a novel effect in optical excitation of charge carriers in solar semiconductors, enabling more efficient conversion of infrared light into electrical power. The discovery involves resonances between light overtones and excitonic band-gaps, offering new avenues for solar cell innovation.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Innovations for investigating the plant tree of life

New sequencing technologies and image analysis techniques enable novel solutions to phylogenetics challenges, providing insights into plant genomes and evolution. The special issue highlights cutting-edge approaches for exploring the plant family tree.

Molecular motor: Four states of rotation

The hemithioindigo-based molecular motor exhibits unidirectional rotational motion about a specific chemical bond when exposed to light. The team has characterized the dynamics of unidirectional rotation in the motor using ultrafast spectroscopic techniques and quantum mechanical calculations.

Dartmouth College brings smartwatch innovations to CHI2018

Researchers from Dartmouth College introduced two smartwatch innovations, WrisText and Jetto, designed to enhance the overall user experience. WrisText enables one-handed text entry using wrist gestures, while Jetto provides immersive interaction through lateral force feedback, blurring the lines between physical and virtual worlds.

Research on sex in malaria parasites granted prestigious EU grant

A new EU grant of EUR 2.5 million will fund research on the sexual biology of malaria parasites to develop novel intervention targets. The project aims to map the functions of approximately 700 parasite genes involved in sexual reproduction to prevent malaria transmission by mosquitoes.

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.

Study predicts 2018 flu vaccine will have 19 percent efficacy

A Rice University study predicts the 2018 flu vaccine will have limited efficacy against the dominant circulating strain of influenza A due to viral mutations related to egg production. The pEpitope method accurately predicted vaccine efficacy rates for over 40 years of flu records and suggests a more accurate predictor than ferret tests.

Does concussion recovery and symptom severity differ between men and women?

A new study reveals significant differences in post-concussion symptom severity and length of recovery between male and female college athletes. Notably, female athletes who used hormonal contraceptives experienced different outcomes compared to non-users, suggesting a potential impact on concussion recovery.

Cancer: Tumor transition states

Researchers at Université libre de Bruxelles identified different tumor transition states during cancer progression and metastasis. They found that cells with intermediate EMT phenotypes are the most metastatic populations.

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.

For nuclear weapons reduction, a way to verify without revealing

Researchers at MIT have developed a physics-based system to verify the destruction of nuclear warheads, using cryptographic keys in physical form. The new method uses neutron detection and resonance processes to identify authentic warheads, while concealing their designs.

ERC Advanced Grant for Professor Manolis Pasparakis

Manolis Pasparakis, a professor at the University of Cologne, has received a 2.5 million euro ERC Advanced Grant to investigate the role of necroptosis in chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. His research focuses on the mechanisms regulating inflammation.

Enduring cold temperatures alters fat cell epigenetics

A new study reveals that cold temperatures can transform white fat cells into 'beige' cells, which perform thermogenesis like brown fat cells. This process could potentially reduce the symptoms of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.

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.

Integrating optical components into existing chip designs

A new technique allows for the assembly of optical and electronic components on separate layers of silicon, enabling the use of modern transistor technologies. This breakthrough increases the speed and reduces the power consumption of chips, which is crucial as transistors continue to rise in count.

Pathways to spatial recognition

Scientists have identified distinct subclasses of pyramidal cells in the subiculum, a region crucial for memory and navigation. These subclasses are associated with processing local and global cues, shedding light on the neural mechanisms underlying spatial recognition.

'Peace agreements have always only succeeded with genuine trust'

Historian Prof. Dr Gerd Althoff argues that peace agreements have historically been successful when opponents establish genuine trust, rather than relying solely on confidence-building measures. This approach emphasizes forgiveness, mutual visits, and friendly conversation to create a foundation for long-term peace.

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.

More students report carrying guns in Chicago than New York or Los Angeles

A new Northwestern University study reveals that more high school students in Chicago reported carrying guns between 2007 and 2013 compared to those in New York and Los Angeles. The study found a strong correlation between gun carrying and exposure to violence risk factors, suggesting a link to the city's spike in gun violence in 2016.

DOR protein deficiency favors the development of obesity

Researchers discovered that DOR protein deficiency stimulates the generation of new adipose cells and leads to a less harmful form of obesity. This type of obesity is characterized by an increase in the number of fat cells rather than their volume, which may be less susceptible to metabolic complications.

Museum researchers rediscover animal not seen in 30 years

Researchers from the San Diego Natural History Museum have rediscovered the San Quintin kangaroo rat in Baja California, partnering with a conservation plan to protect the endangered species. The discovery was made using traditional field techniques and live traps, and the rat has been found to persist in the Valle Tranquilo Nature Res...

Let's talk about sex chromosomes

Male and female cells behave differently after being reprogrammed into stem cells due to their number of X chromosomes. This affects DNA methylation, a process that changes DNA activity without changing its sequence.

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.

Weight-loss surgery improves lives and saves money

A new study found weight-loss surgery reduces average costs to the UK National Health Service by €2742, while gaining 0.8 life-years and 4.0 quality-adjusted life years compared to usual care. The procedure also has potential benefits in reducing obesity-related cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

Medical doctors remain trapped in their substance-use disorders

A study by Aarhus University finds that medical doctors' substance use disorders are exacerbated by legal and social sanctions, leading to a lack of help-seeking behavior. Doctors often turn to self-treatment or performance-enhancing medicine to cope with work pressure, resulting in worsening substance use disorders.

Bedside tests for syphilis and yaws tested in sub-Saharan Africa

Researchers tested Dual Path Platform (DPP-POCT) Syphilis Screens tests in rural clinics and a hospital in the Solomon Islands, showing high patient satisfaction and ease of use. The point-of-care test can provide results in under half an hour with no electricity or special equipment needed.

Online ads help pregnant smokers quit

A new study found that commercial online advertising can engage large numbers of pregnant smokers earlier in their pregnancies, with an overall uptake rate of 3.4% among those who clicked on adverts. The ads were more effective than free-of-charge adverts on health websites and yielded a high user engagement rate.

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.

Researchers at LSTM take a novel approach to snakebite treatment

A team of researchers at LSTM has developed a new approach to treating snakebite using antivenom produced from a different species than the one that caused the bite. The study, published in Communications Biology, shows that this approach can be effective in neutralizing certain pathologies caused by venomous snakes.

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.

How can medical marijuana benefit older adults?

Medical marijuana shows promise in managing pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in older adults. However, its use requires a thorough assessment of side effects to ensure lower doses have a greater impact.