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Science News Archive April 2018


Page 18 of 42

Argonne selects innovators from across nation to grow startups

The Chain Reaction Innovations program at Argonne National Laboratory aims to accelerate the development of sustainable energy technologies. Eighty-three innovators from 26 states have been selected to participate in a two-year program focused on enhancing energy efficiency or sustainability, and overcoming complex scientific challenges.

Republicans more persuasive than scientists on climate change

A new study found that Republicans are more persuasive than scientists in correcting misinformation about climate change, despite being associated with denial. The researchers suggest that citing Republican elites endorsing the scientific consensus may be an effective way to persuade citizens.

Ischemic mitral regurgitation

Researchers present a case study on ischemic secondary mitral regurgitation, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary teams in managing this complex condition. Newer technologies provide new hope for patients, improving outcomes and treatment options.

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.

Global warming is transforming the Great Barrier Reef

A new study found that corals on the northern Great Barrier Reef experienced a catastrophic die-off following the extended marine heatwave of 2016. The amount of coral death was closely linked to the amount of bleaching and level of heat exposure, with the northern third of the reef being the most severely affected.

Molecular scaffolding aids construction at the nanoscale

Researchers have designed and synthesized molecules that can interact together to assemble complex molecular structures at the nanoscale. By mimicking biological self-assembly processes, chemists can learn new methods of chemical synthesis for nano/micro-structures.

This 2-D nanosheet expands like a Grow Monster

Researchers have discovered a new material science concept that uses light to expand a two-dimensional nanosheet at incredible speeds. The nanosheet can expand up to 5.7% of its original size in sub-milliseconds, making it potentially useful for artificial muscles and soft robotic systems.

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.

NYITCOM at A-State professor lends anatomy expertise to solve ancient mystery

Researchers used computer-based methods to compare the physiological behavior of Neanderthals to today's humans, finding that their noses were able to transport twice as much air to the lungs than modern humans. This unique feature allowed Neanderthals to thrive in Ice Age environments and power their more strenuous lifestyle.

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.

Charge density wave inhomogeneity and pseudogap in 1T-TiSe2

A new study reveals the existence of a pseudogap state in 1T-TiSe2, which shares similarities with high-Tc cuprates. The discovery indicates that CDW and superconductivity do not compete in this material, providing insight into the superconducting mechanism and its interplay with CDW.

New study improves 'crowd wisdom' estimates

A new study developed a mathematical correction to improve crowd estimates by accounting for individual bias and social information. Researchers found that collective intelligence is highly predictable and can be improved with the right rules for collective estimation.

A single concussion may increase risk of Parkinson's disease

A large population of U.S. veterans with mild, moderate, or severe traumatic brain injury were found to have a higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Those with mild traumatic brain injury had a 56% increased risk, while those with moderate to severe injuries had an 83% and 71% increased risk respectively.

Why is it harder for females to gain weight?

Researchers found that female POMC neurons fire faster than male's due to the expression of gene TAp63, leading to increased energy expenditure and protection against weight gain. This novel mechanism may facilitate future gender-specific therapeutic strategies for obesity and related disorders.

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.

Salt boosts creation of 2-D materials

Rice University scientists discovered that salt reduces the temperature at which elements interact in a chemical vapor deposition furnace, making it easier to form atom-thin layers. This process allows for the creation of novel materials with customized properties.

How does the Pacific Walker circulation respond to strong tropical volcanism?

A recent study found that the Pacific Walker circulation (PWC) weakens significantly after strong tropical volcanic eruptions (SVEs), leading to changes in rainfall patterns and extreme climate events worldwide. The research suggests that the cooling effect of SVEs on the Maritime Continent plays a dominant role in weakening the PWC.

UTSA researcher and team launch diabetes support program

The Building a Healthy Temple Diabetes Self-Management Support program integrates spirituality and health education to help Hispanics with type 2 diabetes manage the disease. The 14-week program aims to prevent complications such as amputation, kidney failure, and blindness by providing a supportive community.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

En route to the optical nuclear clock

Researchers at PTB have successfully measured some important properties of the thorium-229 nucleus using optical methods, bringing scientists closer to developing an optical nuclear clock. This breakthrough uses laser excitation to monitor the nucleus's behavior and could lead to a more precise atomic clock.

Graphene changes elastic properties depending on applied force

Researchers found that graphene's Poisson ratio, which determines material capability to shrink or extend in transverse dimension, varies depending on the applied tensile force. This discovery could help create new materials with required exotic properties and improve existing technologies.

Study shows men and women tear ACL the same way in non-contact injury

New research from Duke University Medical Center found that ACL tears occur the same way in women and men, contradicting previous theories. The study used forensic analysis to examine bone bruises on knees of athletes with torn ACLs, revealing no significant difference in injury mechanism between sexes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Water dynamics indicate tumor status

Researchers developed a method to measure proton nuclear resonance dispersion profiles at low magnetic fields, revealing the water exchange rate of tumor cells. This enables direct assessment of tumor status and metabolic activity, which is characteristic of aggressive and highly metastatic tumors.

Pepper plant sops up personal care product antibiotic

Researchers found that pepper plants metabolize triclocarban, an antibiotic commonly used in personal care products, into other molecules. The study suggests that these metabolites may have negative health effects, highlighting the need for further research on the impact of environmental triclocarban exposure on human health.

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.

Overcoming bias about music takes work

Researchers found that simply being told a musician is professional changes the way the brain responds to music, with more activity in pleasure and reward regions for 'professional' recordings. Overcoming this bias requires conscious effort, as participants who resisted the bias showed increased executive control.

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.

T cell antigen receptors act alone: Longstanding immunological mystery solved

Researchers at TU Wien and Medical University of Vienna have discovered that T cell antigen receptors operate alone, contrary to previous assumptions. This groundbreaking finding has significant implications for understanding immune responses and developing effective therapies against cancer and autoimmune diseases.

World-first research into injury rates among people released from prison

A world-first study found that people released from prison who have both mental illness and substance use problems are at a significantly increased risk of suffering injury. The research, conducted by the University of Melbourne, identified hospital records for 1307 people released from seven Queensland prisons over a five-year period.

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.

Great Welsh science helps solve pollinator puzzle

A new study by Swansea University researcher Andrew Lucas reveals vital behaviors of hoverflies in plant pollination. The research helps identify the plants hoverflies visit and provides advice to landowners on species-rich grasslands.

Preliminary study suggests drug may help babies with spinal muscular atrophy

A preliminary study found an investigational drug, RG7916, to increase survival and function in babies with type 1 spinal muscular atrophy by up to 6.5 times the normal amount of SMN protein. The study, which is ongoing, aims to determine if this treatment will provide meaningful benefits for children with SMA.

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.

Bees and cuckoos will bring savings to airlines

A Polish-Colombian team developed software using bee and cuckoo behavior to optimize flight routes, achieving measurable financial and environmental savings. The algorithm allows real-time modification of routes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs.

Leptin's neural circuit identified

Researchers at Tufts University have identified the neural circuit in the hypothalamus that mediates leptin's anti-obesity and anti-diabetes effects. The study reveals two distinct mechanisms underlying leptin's inhibition of appetite, providing important insight into how leptin works and how resistance to it develops.

Harvesting water from fog with harps (video)

Researchers have developed a type of 'harp' to collect fresh water from fog, outperforming traditional mesh devices. The new harp technology consistently collected more water than equivalent meshes at all wire diameters, with the finest wires collecting over three times the amount.

Fossilized algae hold promise for improved food safety testing

Researchers used fossilized algae to develop a sensitive method for detecting harmful contaminants in food, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. The new technique utilizes photonic crystal features to amplify optical detection signals, enabling rapid identification of toxins like histamine in fish and meat.

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.

Low-income HIV patients suffer with healthcare access

A 20-year Quebec study reveals socio-economic inequalities impact access to AIDS treatment, with HIV-infected individuals on social assistance struggling to initiate early ART. The study highlights the need to consider socio-economic factors in controlling the HIV epidemic, as delayed access can put patients' health at risk.

Russian university's scientific groups receive a number of state grants

Ural Federal University has been awarded several state grants for its scientific research projects, with seven grants going to the Institute of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. The university's scientific groups are working on various topics, including remote sensing of the atmosphere and development of new hydro-metallurgical processes.

A bioengineered tattoo monitors blood calcium levels

A bioengineered tattoo has been developed to detect elevated blood calcium levels in mice, offering a potential early diagnosis method for conditions like kidney failure and cancer. The tattoo becomes visible on the skin upon detection of high calcium concentrations, providing a proactive measure against diseases.

Dogs could be more similar to humans than we thought

Researchers found that dogs have a more similar gene content to humans than previously thought, with changes in diet affecting both species' gut microbiota. The study suggests dogs could be used as models for human nutrition studies, providing insights into the impact of diet on obesity and overall health.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

New ancestor of modern sea turtles found in Alabama

A new ancestor of modern sea turtles has been found in Alabama, dating back to the Late Cretaceous epoch. The discovery reveals two distinct species within the Peritresius clade, expanding the known evolutionary history of these marine reptiles.

Writing and deleting magnets with lasers

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf developed a method to create and erase magnetic areas in an alloy using lasers, transforming its magnetic behavior. The process involves heating the alloy with ultra-short laser pulses, allowing it to form a magnet.

An eye toward regeneration

Researchers at UNLV have found that frog embryos can regenerate their entire eye within 3 to 5 days after injury, contradicting previous claims. This breakthrough has potential implications for human tissue regeneration and may lead to the development of new treatments for eye injuries.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Detailed images of tumor vasculature

The new technology, called Motion Model Ultrasound Localization Microscopy, allows for the tracking of individual microbubbles in real-time, enabling the reconstruction of fine vascular networks and monitoring of blood flow. This technique has potential applications in cancer treatment, particularly in sonoporation therapy.