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Science News Archive August 2018


Page 21 of 41

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Microfossils, possibly world's oldest, had biological characteristics

The 3.4 billion year old Strelley Pool microfossils had chemical characteristics similar to modern bacteria, supporting a biological origin and ranking them amongst the world's oldest microfossils. The analysis also shows that these ancient fossils have survived extreme conditions over the last 3.4 billion years.

Previously grainy wheat genome comes into focus

The complete wheat genome is now sequenced, enabling researchers to identify genes controlling traits such as drought resistance and breed plants with higher nutritional quality. This breakthrough accelerates innovation in breeding resilient and disease-resistant crops to meet global demand for wheat.

Men and women show surprising differences in seeing motion

Researchers found that men and women show surprising differences in perceiving motion, with men picking up on visual motion faster than women. The study suggests that the difference may be due to disrupted processes in the brain that down-regulate neural activity in males.

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.

ShareBackup could keep data in the fast lane

The ShareBackup system uses fast switches and software to take over network traffic after a failure, minimizing downtime for applications. It can analyze problems, including misconfigurations, and diagnose faulty devices, helping data centers optimize their networks.

Children put on by robots

A study by Anna-Lisa Vollmer and colleagues found that children give into social pressure from humanoid robots, unlike adults. The research used a conformity experiment with Nao robots and investigated the impact on children's decision-making.

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.

New manufacturing technique could improve common problem in printing technology

Researchers from Binghamton University have developed a new manufacturing technique that can avoid the coffee ring effect in printing technology, resulting in improved inkjet printer quality. The technique uses electrospray to add nanoparticles to droplets, leading to more even dispersal of ink and stopping the coffee ring effect.

Scientists discover new method of diagnosing cancer with malaria protein

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new method to diagnose cancer at its early stages using a malaria protein. The method retrieves individual cancer cells from blood samples, catching them in greater numbers than existing methods, allowing for earlier detection and improved treatment outcomes.

Physicists fight laser chaos with quantum chaos to improve laser performance

Researchers have developed a new technique using 'quantum chaos' to prevent optical filaments from forming in semiconductor lasers, leading to instabilities. The new system uses a D-shaped cavity to create a quantum chaotic landscape, disrupting the formation of self-organized structures and maintaining laser stability.

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.

Scientists create antilaser for ultracold atoms condensate

Researchers created an antilaser for nonlinear Bose-Einstein condensate of ultracold atoms, demonstrating perfect absorption without reflection. The breakthrough can be used to manipulate superfluid flows and study nonlinear optical systems.

Super-resolution microscope reveals secrets of deadly Nipah virus

Researchers used a super-resolution microscope to observe viral assembly, finding that envelope proteins are randomly scattered on the cell membrane rather than recruited by matrix proteins. This discovery could lead to more effective vaccines for enveloped viruses like influenza and HIV.

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.

Dominant men make decisions faster

A large behavioral study shows a correlation between higher social dominance and faster decision-making in non-competitive situations. EEG measurements also reveal distinct neural signals for promptness in high-dominance men compared to low-dominance individuals.

RIT awarded NSF grant to advance high-tech computer architectures

Researchers at RIT will use photonic integrated circuit technology to improve processing speed and energy consumption of brain-inspired computing techniques. The project aims to realize high performance neural networks using light, enabling applications in autonomous systems, imaging, and cybersecurity.

OUHSC receives $20 million grant to advance research, patient care

The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center has renewed a $20 million federal grant to further research and patient care in Oklahoma. The program, Oklahoma Shared Clinical and Translational Resources, aims to improve health outcomes by conducting clinical and translational research with patients, particularly in rural areas.

Newly identified role for inhibition in cerebellar plasticity and behavior

Researchers have identified a new role for inhibition in regulating motor learning in the cerebellum, finding that inhibitory cell class molecular layer interneurons play a key role in modulating plasticity and learning behavior. This discovery provides fundamental insights into neural computation and mechanisms underlying motor learning.

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.

One giant leap for wheat

Scientists have produced the most comprehensive map of a wheat genome, paving the way for more resilient and nutritious varieties. The detailed findings describe over 94% of the Chinese Spring wheat genome, with benefits expected to boost wheat improvement over the next decades.

Stretching beyond limits

Researchers design a functionally graded material to minimize the tradeoff between flexibility and strength, achieving optimal balance in both elasticity and rigidity. This technology has wide applications in various fields, including engineering, medicine, and soft robotics.

Study links mothers' pesticide levels with autism in children

A new study found an association between maternal pesticide levels and autism in children, with elevated DDE levels increasing the risk of autism by twofold. The study suggests a potential biomarker-based link between maternal exposure to insecticides and autism among offspring.

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.

How people use, and lose, preexisting biases to make decisions

A study from Columbia University neuroscientists found that the human brain employs precise logic to decision-making, allowing prior knowledge to be updated based on new evidence. Participants learned to recognize and incorporate bias in a statistically optimal manner without confirmation bias.

Presenting the first fully annotated reference genome of bread wheat

The international team of researchers presents the first high-quality fully annotated reference genome sequence of bread wheat variety Chinese Spring. This advancement provides a powerful tool for accelerating the development of new wheat varieties designed to address human nutrition and crop resiliency needs.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Sprawling galaxy cluster found hiding in plain sight

The discovery reveals hundreds of individual galaxies in the cluster, which surrounds an extremely active supermassive black hole at the center. The quasar's light has obscured these galaxies, making them invisible to astronomers.

Taking a closer look at unevenly charged biomolecules

A team in Japan developed a new technique to detect and analyze biomolecules with inhomogeneous charge distributions by adjusting the solution. They achieved improved sensor response, allowing researchers to determine the Debye length and map out a molecule's uneven charge distributions.

How do plants rest photosynthetic activity at night?

Researchers have identified a protein complex that helps plants 'switch off' photosynthesis at night and 'switch on' when light is available again. This complex, involving thioredoxin-like2 (TrxL2)/2-Cys peroxiredoxin (2CP), allows plants to conserve energy and restore photosynthetic activity when necessary.

Stress during pregnancy increases risk of mood disorders for female offspring

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that high maternal cortisol levels during pregnancy are associated with anxious and depressive-like behaviors in female offspring at the age of 2. The effect is linked to altered brain connectivity, particularly in the amygdala region important for emotion processing.

Statins associated with improvement of rare lung disease

Researchers found that statins can improve conditions in people with autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, a rare syndrome affecting 1 in 150,000 people worldwide. The study also identified two new tests to help diagnose the condition and showed promise for oral statin therapy as a potential new approach.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

These tags turn everyday objects into smart, connected devices

Researchers have developed printable metal tags that reflect WiFi signals, turning everyday objects into 'smart' Internet of Things devices. These tags can be attached to various objects and track user interactions, such as water bottle hydration levels or motor activity after a stroke.

Female mosquitoes get choosy quickly to offset invasions

New research reveals that female mosquitoes rapidly evolve more selective mating behavior when faced with existential threats from other invasive mosquito species. This adaptation is driven by genetic changes in specific gene regions and enables them to avoid sterility caused by interbreeding with male males of a different species.

UConn scientists create reverse osmosis membranes with tunable thickness

Researchers at the University of Connecticut developed a new method to produce reverse osmosis membranes with controlled thickness and roughness, leading to improved efficiency and reduced fouling. The ultra-thin membranes exhibit high salt rejection and robust performance under various operating conditions.

Quality of YouTube videos for facial plastics information

A new study has evaluated the quality of YouTube videos for facial plastics information, revealing they can present biased information and offer an unbalanced assessment of risks and benefits. The study suggests these videos may not provide clear guidance on the qualifications of featured practitioners.

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.

'Traffic wardens' of cells can be counterproductive

A study by researchers at the Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia found that the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint, a mechanism that regulates cell division, can sometimes be counterproductive. This checkpoint can increase genetic errors when cells have irreparable problems with chromosome cohesion.

Scientists discover why silver clusters emit light

Researchers discovered that only small clusters of four silver atoms in a tetrahedral shape surrounded by water molecules emit light. This is due to the movement of two free electrons, which decay from higher to lower energy levels and produce a specific shade of green light.

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.

Resistance training and exercise-motivation go hand-in-hand

A nine-month resistance training intervention improved exercise motivation and planning in older adults, with nearly half continuing independently. Participants who increased intrinsic motivation and confidence maintained twice-a-week training

Cells agree: What doesn't kill you makes you stronger

Research led by Salk Institute scientist Gerald Shadel found that short-term stress can trigger sustained production of antioxidants and increase mitochondria efficiency, potentially extending lifespan. Cells exposed to brief stress showed higher antioxidant levels, more mitochondria, and less superoxide buildup than unstressed cells.

NIH begins clinical trial of live, attenuated Zika vaccine

The Phase 1 clinical trial will analyze the immune response and assess the safety of the experimental vaccine, which has shown promise in earlier tests in rhesus macaques. The trial is designed to enroll 28 healthy adults and will last up to one year.

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.

What holds materials together -- on the inside

The FRASCAL research training group at FAU is investigating fracture processes in materials across all scales, from nanometers to visible cracks. This interdisciplinary study aims to develop computer-aided simulation methods to predict and prevent undesired fractures.

First biomarker evidence of DDT-autism link

A Finnish national birth cohort study linked DDT metabolite exposure to increased autism risk in offspring. Maternal blood analyzed for DDE and PCBs found higher odds of autism with intellectual disability among offspring exposed to elevated DDE levels, persisting after adjusting for confounding factors.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.