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Science News Archive August 2018


Page 19 of 41

Researchers succeed in imaging quantum events

Scientists at Bar-Ilan University successfully image quantum events, revealing quantum bubbles and new insights into their behavior. The breakthrough experiment uses a unique microscope to detect tiny magnetic signals with sub-micron resolution.

Next-gen insect repellents to combat mosquito-borne diseases (video)

Researchers have developed a new class of mosquito repellents based on naturally occurring compounds that are effective in repelling mosquitoes. The compounds mimic the mechanism of nature, which could provide additional protection against mosquitoes, while having fewer environmental side effects.

Taking the brain apart to put it all together again

Researchers at Wyss Institute create brain organ chip model, called BBB-Brain Chip system, to study the effects of drugs like methamphetamine on the brain and its blood vessels. The system, which includes linked chips with microfluidic channels, reacts like human brain tissue and shows how cells interact to regulate function.

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.

A timescale for the origin and evolution of all of life on Earth

A new study by the University of Bristol has created a timescale for the origin and evolution of all life on Earth, revealing that life emerged around 4.5 billion years ago from a single ancestor called LUCA. The study uses genomic and fossil data to provide a more accurate timeline than previously thought.

Enzyme-powered protocells rise to the top

Researchers have successfully assembled enzyme-powered artificial cells that can oscillate in water column using catalase-generated gas bubbles. The protocells use glucose oxidase as a fuel source, enabling buoyant motion and self-sorting capabilities.

Strawberries could help reduce harmful inflammation in the colon

Researchers found that consuming whole strawberries daily can significantly suppress symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and improve gut health. The study's findings suggest a potential dietary intervention to mitigate colonic inflammation and increase beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Natural disasters widen racial wealth gap

Research from Rice University and the University of Pittsburgh finds that damage from natural disasters and FEMA aid increases wealth inequality between races in the US. Whites accumulate more wealth after disasters, while residents of color accumulate less, leading to an increase in racial wealth gaps.

Future filters

Researchers at UCSB have identified a nuanced way to influence surface hydrophobicity, which affects how water interacts with solid surfaces. By varying the patterning of hydrophobic groups, they found that it can produce large effects on water dynamics, making it useful for designing more efficient membranes.

Geoffrey Andrews wins 2018 AIAA Zarem Award for Aeronautics

Graduate student Geoffrey Andrews from Purdue University has won the 2018 AIAA Foundation Abe M. Zarem Award for Distinguished Achievement in Aeronautics. He received the award for his paper on hybrid length scale similarity solution for swirling turbulent jets, which explores a crucial aspect of hypersonic aerodynamics.

Nanoparticles in our environment may have more harmful effects than we think

Researchers found that nanoparticles and contaminants can be deadly to human cells, especially when combined. Exposure to silver nanoparticles alone was less toxic, but combining them with cadmium ions increased cell death by 60%. The study highlights the need for regulations on nanoparticle releases into the environment.

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.

Understanding urban issues through credit cards

A new study by UCL, MIT, and UC Berkeley uses credit card records and mobile phone data to identify daily rhythms of human mobility and communication. The research groups the urban population into six clusters, shedding light on socio-economic behaviors and patterns.

Tracing the evolution of a human malarial parasite

A study comparing ape and human P. vivax genomes reveals nearly identical DNA sequences, but with key differences in genetic diversity and binding proteins. The findings suggest an evolutionary bottleneck where the parasite passed from apes to humans in Africa, then spread globally.

New kind of aurora is not an aurora at all

Researchers found STEVE to be an entirely new optical phenomenon produced by a different atmospheric process than the aurora. The study used satellite data and ground-based cameras to analyze a STEVE event in March 2008.

BU researcher receives DoD grant to study TBI, military service in AD

Jesse Mez will examine clinical, radiologic, and neuropathologic markers of Alzheimer's disease in Framingham Heart Study participants to test the hypothesis that TBI and military service independently and jointly contribute to its development. The study aims to identify risk factors beyond genetics and lifestyle choices.

#MeToo and the medical profession

The medical profession is plagued by bullying, harassment, and discrimination, which can negatively affect health and career pathways. Implementing measures of professionalism in review processes and creating safe reporting mechanisms are crucial steps towards addressing unprofessional behavior.

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.

Nearly 2 in 5 teen drivers text while driving

A study found that nearly 2 in 5 teen drivers texted while driving at least once in a month, with prevalence varying by state. Parents can take steps to limit their teens' texting while driving behavior by setting clear rules, being patient and monitoring new drivers.

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.

New study identifies strategies in US climate litigation

A new study analyzing all US climate change lawsuits over 26 years found that pro-regulatory litigants win renewable energy and energy efficiency cases by a ratio of 2.6 to 1, while coal-fired power plants face more losses. The researchers identified effective strategies for building a case, including the use of climate science and coa...

Super-resolution microscopy: Getting even closer to the limit

Scientists at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have created novel DNA aptamers that enable the use of smaller fluorescent labels in super-resolution microscopy. This breakthrough allows for high-resolution imaging of protein networks within individual cells, paving the way for new insights into biological processes.

Stunting and the microbiome

A study of stunted children found decompensation of the gastrointestinal tract and increased abundance of oropharyngeal taxa in their gut microbiomes. This suggests a key role for oral cavity bacteria in childhood growth stunting.

Researchers find potential new gene therapy for blinding disease

Scientists have developed a novel gene therapy that effectively reduces rhodopsin production and prevents photoreceptor death in dogs with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. The treatment, which combines shRNA interference with a replacement gene, shows promise for slowing or preventing vision loss in humans.

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.

Biosensor allows real-time oxygen monitoring for 'organs-on-a-chip'

A new biosensor allows researchers to track oxygen levels in real-time in organ-on-a-chip systems, making it possible to ensure that these systems mimic the function of real organs. The biosensor uses phosphorescent gel to emit infrared light and measure oxygen concentration down to tenths of a percent.

Bigger proteins, stronger threads: Synthetic spider silk

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis engineer bacteria to produce biosynthetic spider silk with improved tensile strength and toughness, exceeding previous records. The new silk's molecular weight positively correlates with its strength, suggesting potential for further increases.

Knockdown and replace: A gene therapy twofer to treat blindness

Researchers developed a gene therapy that eliminates the abnormal copy of rhodopsin and restores it with a healthy copy, preserving retina's light-sensing photoreceptor cells. This approach has the potential to treat a large percentage of patients with rhodopsin autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa.

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.

New drug could prevent debilitating side effect of cancer treatment

Researchers have developed a new drug, GC4419, that appears to prevent severe oral mucositis (SOM), a painful side effect of radiation therapy for head and neck cancers. The drug has already been designated as a breakthrough therapy by the FDA and shows safety and efficacy in clinical trials.

In teen friendships, misery does love company

A new study suggests that teen friendships are strengthened by similarities in anxiety and depression levels, with dissimilar teens more likely to drift apart. The research found no evidence that individual internalizing symptoms predict friendship dissolution, even at extreme or clinical levels.

The bright ways forests affect their environment

A new study by the University of Leeds found that forests emit volatile gases, forming particles in the atmosphere that increase diffuse light. This enhanced diffuse sunlight boosts photosynthesis by up to 10% globally, mirroring 10% of global fossil fuel emissions.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

No partitions between desks may be 'healthier' for office workers

Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that open bench configurations led to higher levels of physical activity and lower stress outside the office. The study, which analyzed data from over 200 government workers, suggests that an open plan design may be a healthier alternative to cubicles or private offices.

The environmental cost of contact lenses

Scientists have found that contact lenses can break down into smaller plastic particles when exposed to wastewater treatment plants, which can harm aquatic organisms. The study's authors hope that industry will take note and provide proper disposal guidelines for contact lenses.

A paper battery powered by bacteria

Researchers have developed a new type of battery made from paper and fueled by bacteria, which could overcome challenges of limited resources and commercial batteries. The paper-based bio-battery has shown to be effective in powering small devices like LEDs and calculators, with potential for improvement through further research.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Weaponizing oxygen to kill infections and disease

Scientists have developed a method using photosensitizers and nanoparticles to activate oxygen, killing bacteria like MRSA. The technique has shown promise in treating microbial infections and possibly even cancer.

Mechanism behind orchid beauty revealed

Researchers at Tohoku University have identified the retrotransposon insertion in a floral homeotic gene responsible for greenish orchid mutations. This discovery paves the way for genetic modification of orchids to produce more flowers.

Mother tongue vs. father tongue: A new study reconciles the 2 hypotheses

A new study found that paternal lineages are correlated to vocabulary usage, while maternal lineages are associated with pronunciations in Indo-European languages. Researchers used genetic-linguistic analysis to explore the relationship between Y-chromosome and mtDNA haplogroups and language characteristics.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

As body mass index increases, blood pressure may as well

A large-scale study found a positive association between body mass index and blood pressure, with a mean increase of 0.8-1.7 mm Hg per unit increase in BMI. The study's findings have implications for China's high blood pressure crisis and suggest the need for earlier and more frequent use of antihypertensive drugs.

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.

Robots as tools and partners in rehabilitation

Researchers emphasize social and trust-building measures for robots in rehabilitation, recognizing the importance of cooperation and adaptability. They highlight the need for robots to recognize patients' aims and motives and be tailored to individual needs to achieve successful therapy.

Historically black schools pay more to issue bonds, researchers find

A new study from the University of Notre Dame found that historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) pay higher fees to issue tax-exempt bonds than non-HBCUs. The evidence points to racial discrimination as the cause, with HBCUs in Deep South states facing the most significant disparities.

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.