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Science News Archive August 2018


Page 3 of 41

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.

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.

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.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.