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Science News Archive August 2018


Page 3 of 41

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.

New method for hydroboration of alkynes: Radicals induce unusual selectivity

Researchers at Kanazawa University developed a novel method for hydroboration of alkynes utilizing radical chemistry, resulting in the creation of previously inaccessible trans-hydroboration products. This breakthrough enables the synthesis of various bench-stable alkenyl borane compounds that can be converted into drug candidates.

Psycholinguists build eye-tracking database on reading in Russian

Researchers have created a comprehensive eye-tracking database for reading in Russian, providing insights into how native speakers process texts. The study sheds light on the characteristics of individual languages and has significant implications for diagnosing and correcting speech disorders, as well as determining language proficiency.

'Blink' and you won't miss amyloids

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis create 'blink' method to image amyloids, allowing for non-invasive visualization of these problematic proteins. The technique uses temporary fluorescence, causing amyloids to flash and enabling researchers to better understand their structure and behavior.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA finds some strong storms in Atlantic's potential tropical cyclone 6

A potential sixth tropical cyclone is forming in the far eastern Atlantic Ocean, with NASA detecting strong storms and coldest cloud tops as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The system is expected to move near or over the southern Cabo Verde Islands on Friday, Aug. 31, posing a threat of life-threatening flash floods.

Device harvests energy from low-frequency vibrations

Researchers at Penn State have developed a wearable device that harnesses energy from the swing of an arm while walking or jogging, producing enough power to run a personal health monitoring system. The device is more efficient than standard electromagnetic harvesters and can sustain high strains without cracking.

Using telemedicine to increase life expectancy

A study published in The Lancet found that telemedical interventional management reduced unplanned hospitalizations by 44% and increased life expectancy for patients with heart failure. Patients who received remote patient management interventions also showed significant reductions in all-cause mortality, regardless of their location.

Guiding flight: The fruit fly's celestial compass

Researchers found that fruit flies use a small, bright spot (the simulated sun) as a landmark to fly straight with respect to its position. The study also shows that these flies have compass neurons in their brains associated with this navigational behavior.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Model can more naturally detect depression in conversations

Researchers developed a neural-network model that can accurately predict depression in individuals based on raw text and audio data from clinical interviews. The model learns speech patterns indicative of depression without relying on specific questions or answers, offering potential for scalable and accessible mental health monitoring.

DNA accessibility, gene expression jointly profiled in thousands of cells

Researchers have developed an assay that concurrently profiles the epigenome and transcriptome of each cell type, revealing how different cells interpret their genetic code. The study provides insights into the relationship between epigenome and transcriptome, as well as the regulation of gene expression across various cell types.

A novel bacterial species named after a Finnish Nobelist A.I. Virtanen

Researchers at the University of Helsinki identified a novel species of Propionic Acid Bacteria, which was named after A.I. Virtanen due to its genetic differences from previously described strains. The discovery honors Virtanen's pioneering work on PAB, a topic often overlooked in his biographies.

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.

The evolution of carnivorous plants

Researchers are studying the genetic basis of carnivorous plant evolution, seeking to understand how similar traits emerge in different orders. Dr. Kenji Fukushima's work aims to develop new molecular tools for analyzing specific genes in carnivorous plants.

Guidance for preventing C. difficile in neonatal intensive care

A new evidence-based white paper provides practical approaches to preventing Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infections in neonatal intensive care units. The guidance recommends against routine testing for C. difficile in neonates and suggests evaluating first for more common causes of diarrhea.

WSU scientists clone virus to help stop overwhelming grape disease

Researchers at Washington State University have successfully cloned grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3, a breakthrough that could lead to new strategies controlling the disease. The discovery opens the door for experiments and treatments to protect valuable vineyards from the devastating disease.

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.

Engineered sand zaps storm water pollutants

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a technology to remove contaminants from storm water using mineral-coated sand. The coated sand can break down organic pollutants into smaller pieces that are less toxic and more biodegradable, creating a safe and local reservoir of drinking water for communities.

Presynapses come in a packet

Researchers discovered that vesicle and scaffold proteins arrive at nascent synapses as preformed functional units, enabling instantaneous neurotransmitter release. The findings may aid in designing better nerve-regenerating therapies and accelerating synapse formation after injuries.

When neurons turn against themselves

Researchers have discovered that neurons themselves trigger the immune system response in Rasmussen's encephalitis, leading to synaptic damage. By blocking this signalling pathway, they may be able to develop new treatments for the disease.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Lipsitz earns GSA's 2018 Donald P. Kent Award

Lipsitz has received the prestigious award for his professional leadership in teaching, service, and interpretation of gerontology to the larger society. He is recognized for his contributions to the study of aging and dissemination of information among scientists, decision makers, and the general public.

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.

Inch by inch, towards a treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Researchers have successfully boosted expression of the dystrophin gene to therapeutic levels in large animal models, a crucial step towards developing a treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The study demonstrates that CRISPR/Cas9 approaches can improve muscle function and integrity in DMD patients.

Mechanism of Marburg virus sexual transmission identified in nonhuman primates

Research has shed light on the mechanism of sexual transmission of Marburg virus, identifying persistent infection in seminiferous tubules and specialized cells called Sertoli cells. The study suggests that targeting immunosuppressive regulatory T cells may help clear Marburg virus from the testes, preventing sexual transmission.

You are never too old for the Mediterranean diet

A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that a traditional Mediterranean diet can reduce all-cause mortality by 25% in people over 65 years old. The diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, pulses, olive oil, and cereals, also lowers cardiovascular and cerebrovascular mortality risk.

Scientists decode opium poppy genome

Researchers have determined the DNA code of the opium poppy genome, unlocking key steps in how the plant evolved to produce vital medicines. The discovery may lead to improved yields and disease resistance, securing a reliable supply of effective pain relief medications.

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.

Catalyst advance could lead to economical fuel cells

A new method to create single-atom catalysts for fuel cells has been developed at Washington State University, potentially making clean energy technology more economically viable. The catalysts, made from iron or cobalt salts and glucosamine, show improved stability and activity compared to commercial platinum catalysts.

Research finds gender-diverse boards are greener

A study by the University of Adelaide found that companies with a balanced mix of men and women on their boards experience significantly fewer environmental lawsuits. This suggests that female directors contribute to reducing corporate environmental litigation, with a saving of up to $3.1 million per lawsuit.

Injection wells can induce earthquakes miles away from the well

A study of injection wells reveals that they can cause earthquakes up to 6 miles away from the well site. Injecting fluids into sedimentary rock produces bigger, more distant earthquakes compared to injecting into the underlying basement rock. This challenges current recommendations for hydraulic fracturing and wastewater disposal.

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.

Biomechanics of chewing depend more on animal size, not diet

A study published in PLOS ONE found that the jaw joint bone structure of carnivorans is more closely related to their body size than their diet. Researchers used 3D printing and CT scans to analyze the mandibular condyle, a key joint in the jaw, and discovered no significant correlation between diet and jaw joint strength or complexity.

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.

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.

CRISPR halts Duchenne muscular dystrophy progression in dogs

Researchers used CRISPR gene editing to restore dystrophin protein levels by up to 92% in dogs with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The study provides strong indication of a potential lifesaving treatment for the disease, which affects one in 5,000 boys and leads to muscle and heart failure.

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.

NASA sees post-Tropical Cyclone Lane come to an end

Post-Tropical Cyclone Lane has ceased to be a tropical cyclone and will dissipate soon after hitting record-setting rainfall on the Hawaiian Islands. The NASA-NOAA Suomi NPP satellite captured a visible image of its final hours, showing wind shear taking its toll on the storm.

JCESR receives Secretary of Energy's Achievement Award

The Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR) has received the Secretary of Energy's Achievement Award for its significant achievements in developing high-performance, low-cost energy storage technologies. The award recognizes the contributions of 29 individuals across multiple JCESR institutions.

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.

Best of ESC Congress 2018

At ESC Congress 2018, a record 156 countries were represented, with over 4,500 abstracts presented in 500 expert sessions. Key clinical trials included MARINER, CAMELLIA-TIMI 61, and ASCEND, which may impact practice and guideline updates. The congress also featured new guidelines for hypertension care.

Global fisheries could still become more profitable despite global warming

Researchers found that harvesting sustainable seafood globally can lead to higher food production and profits, even considering declining fish populations due to ocean warming. The study suggests that implementing adaptive management practices could offset the negative impacts of climate change on fisheries.

How the forest copes with the summer heat

A University of Basel study reveals that native forest trees can adapt to extreme drought by closing their pores, preventing damage and reducing water loss. Despite this, researchers caution that prolonged dry spells could weaken trees and make them more susceptible to insect infestations.

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.