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Science News Archive April 2018


Page 28 of 42

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nature-based solutions can prevent $50 billion in Gulf Coast flood damages

A new study reveals that restoring coastal wetlands and oyster reefs can significantly reduce flood risks on the US Gulf Coast, with potential benefits exceeding $7 in direct flood-reduction benefits for every $1 spent on restoration. Nature-based solutions can be more cost-effective than traditional 'gray' measures like seawalls.

Stronger evidence for a weaker Atlantic overturning

The Atlantic overturning has slowed down by 15% since the middle of the 20th century due to human-caused global warming. This weakening causes widespread cooling in the northern Atlantic and shifts the Gulf Stream northwards.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Fossil study sheds light on ancient butterfly wing colors

A team of researchers has discovered new evidence for color in Mesozoic fossils, revealing that intricate microstructures created the metallic bronze to golden colors found on ancient butterfly wings. This study extends the evidence for light-scattering structures in insect fossil records by over 130 million years.

Faba fix for corn's nitrogen need

Researchers found that faba bean cover crops can add a significant amount of nitrogen to the soil, reducing the need for commercial fertilizer by up to half. The timing and management of faba bean residues also play a crucial role in maximizing the benefits of this practice.

Brain activity can predict success of depression treatment

Researchers at McLean Hospital have identified a method to predict depressed patients' treatment prognosis by analyzing brain activity in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex. The study showed that patients with higher activity before treatment are more likely to respond positively, allowing clinicians to tailor treatment approaches.

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.

Does age at menopause affect memory?

A study of over 1,300 women found that entering menopause at a later age was associated with better verbal memory skills. After adjusting for other factors, the researchers found a small but significant difference in memory scores, recalling an average of 0.09 additional words per year.

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.

Double hit on melanoma unlocks barrier to immunotherapy

A study published in Science Translational Medicine reveals that macrophages suppress the activity of CD8 T cells, a type of immune cell that recognizes and kills melanoma cells. By disrupting macrophages, researchers found improved efficacy for immunotherapy in experimental models of melanoma.

3-D printed active metamaterials for sound and vibration control

The new 3D printed metamaterials, developed by researchers at the University of Southern California, can block sound waves and mechanical vibrations remotely using a magnetic field. They have the potential to be used for noise cancellation, vibration control, and sonic cloaking.

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.

Study explores new strategy to develop a malaria vaccine

Researchers at Yale University have developed a serum that reduces malaria infection in mice by targeting a protein in the saliva of infected mosquitoes. The novel approach could potentially be used to enhance existing malaria vaccines and has implications for other mosquito-borne infections.

Specific bacteria in the small intestine are crucial for fat absorption

A new study found that specific bacteria in the small intestine play a key role in fat absorption and digestion, with certain microbes multiplying in response to high-fat foods. The findings suggest that these microbes facilitate the production and secretion of digestive enzymes, enabling rapid absorption of calorie-dense foods.

Student class engagement soars when they use personal data to learn

A Brigham Young University study found that students who analyzed their own microbiome data spent 31% more time on coursework and reported increased confidence in scientific reasoning abilities. This approach may increase student engagement in science education, inspiring lifelong learning.

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.

Babies make the link between vocal and facial emotion

Researchers from UNIGE found that six-month-old babies can differentiate between happiness and anger based on voices and facial expressions. The study, published in PLOS ONE, shows that babies look longer at an angry face with a happy voice than at a neutral face or one expressing anger.

US public companies have increasingly shorter lifespans, IU research says

Research from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business found that US publicly listed companies' chances of surviving over five years have declined significantly since the 1960s. The study suggests that traditional views on company age may no longer predict organizational success, as organizations become increasingly temporary.

Scientists discover a role for 'junk' DNA

Researchers found that satellite DNA, once thought to be 'junk,' is essential for holding the genome together and ensuring cell survival. This conserved function is critical for chromosomes to bundle correctly inside the nucleus.

Mutant ferrets offer clues to human brain size

Researchers created a genetically engineered ferret with a mutation linked to abnormally small human brain size, revealing an evolutionary mechanism governing cerebral cortical size. The study suggests that genes responsible for centriole function played a crucial role in the expansion of human brains over time.

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.

Personalized tumor vaccine shows promise in pilot trial

A new type of cancer vaccine made from patients' own immune cells has yielded promising results in an initial clinical trial. The vaccine triggers a broad anti-tumor T-cell response, with half of the vaccinated patients showing signs of improved survival and one patient remaining disease-free for five years.

It's not your fitness tracker -- it's you

A recent study published by the University of Southern California found that people from different countries have vastly different perceptions of their physical activity. The study, which tracked participants in the US, Netherlands, and England, revealed that Americans tend to overestimate their activity levels while Europeans underest...

The neural circuitry of parental behavior

Researchers have identified a network of brain cells that orchestrate parental behavior in mice, including hormonal changes and altered social behaviors. The discovery could one day help develop treatments for postpartum depression and other related conditions.

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.

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.

The dinosaur menu, as revealed by calcium

Researchers studied fossilized remains from Morocco and Niger to reconstruct the past's food chains, explaining how large predators coexisted. Calcium isotope analysis showed that carnivores shared resources by subtly hunting different prey types, such as herbivorous dinosaurs or fish.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Swansea scientists discover greener way of making plastics

Researchers at Swansea University's Energy Safety Research Institute have found a way to convert CO2 into ethylene, the basis of making plastics, at room temperature. This process has the potential to offset global carbon emissions and utilise half a billion tonnes of emitted CO2 annually.

New bioinformatics tool identifies and classifies CRISPR-Cas systems

A new bioinformatics tool, CRISPRdisco, has been developed to identify and classify CRISPR-Cas systems in genome assemblies. The software detects CRISPR repeats and accurately assigns class, type, and subtypes, enabling researchers to distinguish between complete and incomplete CRISPR systems.

Scientists find excess mitochondrial iron, Huntington's disease link

Researchers found mice engineered with Huntington's disease have excessive mitochondrial iron accumulation, leading to dysfunction and neuronal death. This study identifies a pathway for the neurodegenerative disease and has implications for related disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

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.

Do Democratic and Republican doctors treat patients differently at the end of life?

A new Harvard Medical School study published in The BMJ found that a doctor's political affiliation has no bearing on clinical decisions at the end of life. Despite previous research suggesting personal beliefs influence decisions, this analysis of nearly 1.5 million Medicare beneficiaries reveals no differences in treatment patterns b...

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.

Snowfall patterns may provide clues to Greenland Ice Sheet

A new study from University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists describes a method using cloud characteristics to quantify snowfall on the Greenland Ice Sheet. The research found two distinct cloud types producing snow at Summit Station, with mixed-phase clouds accounting for 51% of snow accumulation.

Scientists to build the avian tree of life

Scientists are creating a comprehensive evolutionary tree of over 10,000 bird species using cutting-edge technologies and public data release. The OpenWings project will provide unparalleled insights into avian diversity and evolution.

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.

Biodiversity: All the colors of the rainbow

Researchers have discovered three new species of chameleons in Madagascar, showcasing the island's extraordinary biodiversity. The newly found Calumma uetzi features vibrant display colors when males interact with females, while a second species, Calumma juliae, is found only in a protected forest fragment under threat from deforestation.

Synchrotron science could give soybeans a boost

Scientists have gained insight into how soil bacteria sense oxygen levels, which could help develop new treatments for promoting crop growth and tackling disease. The findings focus on the FixL/FixJ protein system in soybean nodule bacteria, essential for nitrogen supply.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Repeat spawning comes with tradeoffs for trout

Steelhead trout that spawn multiple times have higher lifetime reproductive success, but at the cost of increased mortality and energy expenditure. The study found that single spawners die after reproduction, while repeat spawners save energy for later migrations.