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Science News Archive April 2018 - Page 7


Page 7 of 42

An ionic black box

Researchers at UCSB are developing a chip that uses ionic memristor technology to create a physically unclonable device, rendering it vulnerable to cyber attacks. The technology aims to prevent cloning and hijacking of devices in networks, making them ideal for securing IoT devices.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Electronics·DateApr 25, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

SCAI releases consensus guidelines for PVD device selection

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) has released new guidelines for selecting specific categories of devices in endovascular therapy. The guidelines provide device-focused recommendations based on a review of comparative effectiveness data, including safety and efficacy of femoral-popliteal devices.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateApr 25, 2018

Weather associated with sentiments expressed on social media

Researchers found temperature, precipitation, humidity, and cloud cover associated with positive or negative expressed sentiments. Positive expressions increased up to 20 degrees Celsius before declining over 30 degrees Celsius, while high humidity and cloud cover were linked to negative expressions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 25, 2018

Implantable islet cells come with their own oxygen supply

A new implantable device could help insulin-producing cells live longer after transplant and improve treatment of type 1 diabetes. The device, developed by MIT researchers, supplies oxygen to transplanted islet cells, allowing them to remain viable for several months and maintain normal blood glucose levels.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 25, 2018
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.

Purdue archaeologists on ancient horse find in Nile River Valley

A well-preserved horse burial at Tombos has provided new insights into the social significance of equids in the Nile Valley during the Third Intermediate Period. The discovery suggests that horses represented symbols of a larger social, political and economic movement in ancient Nubian culture.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAntiquity·DateApr 25, 2018

Maternal binge drinking linked to mood problems and alcohol abuse in offspring

A recent study found that maternal binge drinking during pregnancy and lactation can impair the mental health of their offspring, leading to mood disturbances and increased vulnerability to alcohol abuse as adolescents. The research suggests that even occasional heavy drinking can have a depressive effect on the mother and pass on chan...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateApr 25, 2018

Researchers 3-D print electronics and cells directly on skin

A new 3D printing technique allows for the direct printing of electronics on human skin, with potential applications in military technology and medical treatments for skin disorders. The printer uses computer vision to adjust to small movements of the body during printing and can be used to print temporary sensors or solar cells.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 25, 2018

Brain cell's Achilles' heel may prompt hydrocephalus

Researchers discovered that mature ependymal cells require continuous Foxj1 production to maintain shape and function, but viruses can shut down this process, leading to hydrocephalus. This study may lead to alternative treatments for the condition.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 25, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

What happens to stolen guns?

According to Philip Cook's analysis, gun thefts represent only about one percent of all gun transactions in the US. In Chicago, only a tiny proportion of crime guns were ever reported stolen to the Police Department.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateApr 25, 2018

New natural gas catalyst would boost clean transportation

A new natural gas catalyst aims to reduce methane emissions from vehicle exhaust, a potent greenhouse gas. The US Department of Energy-funded project will develop and optimize a lower-cost, more efficient catalyst to eliminate unreacted methane, making natural gas a cleaner-burning fuel option.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateApr 25, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Novel technique achieves 32-fold increase in nanometric bactericide's activity

A Brazilian research team has developed a novel technique to produce high-performance silver nanoparticles with 32 times the bactericidal capacity of existing materials. The new method uses pulsed laser irradiation and reduces production costs, making it economically feasible for large-scale applications.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 25, 2018

Drinking baking soda could be an inexpensive, safe way to combat autoimmune disease

Medical College of Georgia scientists found that drinking baking soda encourages the spleen to promote an anti-inflammatory environment, reducing destructive inflammation in autoimmune diseases. This shift was observed in rats and healthy people, with a reduction in pro-inflammatory cells and an increase in anti-inflammatory macrophages.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateApr 25, 2018

Want new medicines? You need fundamental research

Eight out of ten transformative medicines in the US between 1985 and 2009 originated from fundamental discoveries, with an average time to approval of 30 years. Curiosity-driven science is essential for discovering new medicines.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 25, 2018
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.

World's smallest optical implantable biodevice

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology have developed the world's smallest wireless optical biodevice, measuring just 1 mm³ and 2.3 mg in volume and weight. The device converts infrared light into blue light to control neural activity, offering a promising solution for optogenetics applications.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalAIP Advances·DateApr 25, 2018

Human impact on sea urchin abundance

Researchers found that changing water temperature and algal blooms affected sea urchin populations, leading to abnormal development of their larvae. The study provides valuable insights into the importance of long-term monitoring for detecting ecological changes and understanding their causes.

SourceKyoto University·JournalEcological Indicators·DateApr 25, 2018

Napping can help tired teens' performance in school

Researchers found that regular mid-day naps improve neurocognitive function and daytime attention in adolescents. The ideal nap duration is between 30-60 minutes, and routine napping is associated with better nighttime sleep quality.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalBehavioral Sleep Medicine·DateApr 25, 2018

Balancing nuclear and renewable energy

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory found that nuclear power plants can adjust to changing demand for power, enabling the use of more renewable energy. This flexibility can lower electricity costs for consumers and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalApplied Energy·DateApr 25, 2018
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.

CU Anschutz Medical Campus wins $46.5 million NIH grant to accelerate research discoveries

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has received a $46.5 million NIH grant to enhance its translational science workforce and research environment. The grant will support the development of novel methodologies and resources to tackle rare diseases, improve health screenings in underserved communities, and reduce mortalit...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·DateApr 25, 2018

Study examines denigration when people call a place a 's---hole'

Researchers traced Twitter tweets using the word 'shithole' to identify who engages in stigmatizing discourse and how places are stereotyped. The study found that men and women experience living in a place differently, with 38% of tweets maligning their own hometown.

SourceWiley·JournalTransactions of the Institute of British Geographers·DateApr 25, 2018

Ultrahigh-pressure laser experiments shed light on super-Earth cores

Researchers simulated conditions inside a planet three times larger than Earth using high-powered laser beams. The study revealed that the crystal structure of iron-silicon alloys changes with higher silicon content under extreme pressures, providing new insights into the nature of super-Earths and their cores.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 25, 2018
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

New breath and urine tests detect early breast cancer more accurately

Researchers developed a new method for early and accurate breast cancer screening using electronic nose gas sensors and GC-MS analysis, achieving 95% average accuracy in detecting breast cancer biomarkers from breath samples. Urine samples also yielded 85% average accuracy with this technology.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalComputers in Biology and Medicine·DateApr 25, 2018

Belief in fake causes of cancer is rife

A survey found that over 40% of people in England believe stress, food additives, and electromagnetic frequencies cause cancer despite a lack of scientific evidence. Those with better knowledge of proven cancer causes were more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer·DateApr 25, 2018

Mediterranean diet boosts beneficial bacteria

A recent study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that a Mediterranean-type diet enhances the good bacteria living in the gut, increasing diversity by up to 7% compared to a Western diet. The study used an animal model and analyzed fecal samples to confirm these findings.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateApr 25, 2018
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.

SCAI updates consensus on length of stay for percutaneous coronary intervention

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions has updated its consensus guidelines to allow for flexibility in length of stay after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), prioritizing patient-centered care. The new guidelines assess readiness for discharge along three lines: procedural, patient, and programmatic factors.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateApr 25, 2018
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.

A Yellowstone guide to life on Mars

A University of Cincinnati geology student, Andrew Gangidine, is developing a marker for ancient bacterial life on Mars to aid NASA's search. He's studying microbial life in silica hot springs at Yellowstone National Park to create a useful indicator of life on the red planet.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateApr 25, 2018

Retirement transition increases sitting during free time

A study by University of Turku researchers found that retirement transition leads to a significant increase in sitting during free time, averaging six hours per day. This increase was especially noted among women and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateApr 25, 2018

New study: What happens when sea levels rise and coastal land gets flooded?

Researchers at University of Southern Denmark found that flooding coastal land can create well-functioning marine ecosystems, attracting visitors and wildlife. The Gyldensteen Coastal Lagoon, a 214-hectare area in Denmark, has shown promise as a carbon sink and is developing into a diverse ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 25, 2018
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.

World's oldest insect inspires a new generation of aerogels

A team of international scientists has created a new form of highly-efficient, low-cost insulation based on the wings of a dragonfly. The material is ultralight and porous, with a piece weighing less than a kilogram, and can be replicated at an affordable cost.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 25, 2018

Sunlight works against oil clean-up efforts

Researchers found that sunlight has a significant impact on oil clean-up efforts, decreasing dispersant effectiveness by four-fold. The study's findings suggest that photochemical oxidation, triggered by sunlight, is a dominant weathering process that should be considered in future field manuals and oil spill response guides.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateApr 25, 2018

Switch controls light on a nanoscale for faster information processing

Purdue researchers design a compact switch that enables reliable confinement of light to small computer chip components, bypassing unwanted absorption of photons using surface plasmons. The development paves the way for hybrid photonic and electronic nanocircuitry, potentially leading to faster information processing in supercomputers.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature·DateApr 25, 2018
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.

Turning graphene into light nanosensors

Researchers embedded graphene in a photonic crystal to enhance its light-absorbing capabilities. By varying the external temperature, they can tune the material's optical characteristics, leading to potential applications in light sensors and ultra-fast lasers.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateApr 25, 2018

NIH study: No chronic wasting disease transmissibility in macaques

A National Institutes of Health (NIH) study has found no evidence of transmissibility of chronic wasting disease in cynomolgus macaque monkeys. The research, published in the Journal of Virology, involved exposing 14 macaques to brain matter from CWD-infected deer and elk over a period of up to 13 years.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of Virology·DateApr 25, 2018

Study suggests older surgeons produce lower mortality rates in emergency procedures

Research from UCLA and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that surgeries performed by older surgeons (age 50 and up) have lower patient mortality rates than those performed by younger surgeons. The study also showed that female surgeons in their 50s had the lowest patient mortality rate, regardless of age group or gender.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe BMJ·DateApr 25, 2018
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.

Rabies trick could help treat Parkinson's disease

Researchers use rabies virus machinery to deliver deferoxamine, a metal-grabbing compound, directly to brain cells, reducing iron buildup and reversing disease symptoms. The therapeutic agent is composed of nanoparticles stuffed with deferoxamine and is already approved for use in the clinic.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 25, 2018

Novel ecosystems provide use for some native birds

A study published in Ecosphere found that native birds can successfully nest in non-native plants in altered ecosystems, challenging traditional views on habitat restoration. The research suggests that controlling non-native plants may not yield benefits for all nesting bird species.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEcosphere·DateApr 25, 2018

Back in black for singletons trying to find love

A new study based on the TV series First Dates found that singles wear more black than red on first dates. Black was associated with increased attractiveness and perceived fashion sense, while red was linked to increased sexual receptivity.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalEvolutionary Psychology·DateApr 25, 2018

Cheaper and easier way found to make plastic semiconductors

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a method to produce conjugated polymers using a dehydration reaction, resulting in cheap and environmentally friendly plastics. This breakthrough aims to streamline production and bring affordable electronics to market.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateApr 25, 2018

Geologists assist in solving the mystery of a gold treasure

Researchers used laser ablation and plasma mass spectrometry to analyze ancient gold items from the Carambolo treasure, discovering a local gold deposit within 2 km of the site. This breakthrough provides new insights into the origin of the metal and its possible connections to ancient trade routes.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateApr 25, 2018
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.

NIST team shows tiny frequency combs are reliable measurement tools

Scientists at NIST and partners developed a miniaturized device that generates precise frequencies of light, tracing back to an international measurement standard. The breakthrough reduces the size of optical frequency synthesizers from tabletop instruments to three silicon chips.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature·DateApr 25, 2018

Consuming protein supplements with meals may work better for weight control

A systematic review found that consuming protein supplements with meals was associated with greater reductions in fat mass and improvements in lean to fat mass ratio compared to consuming them between meals. This strategy may be beneficial for adults looking to improve their health status through resistance training.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalNutrition Reviews·DateApr 25, 2018