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Science News Archive August 2018


Page 34 of 41

World's fastest creature may also be one of the smallest

A single-celled protozoan achieves incredible acceleration by contracting its body and utilizing supramolecular springs. The creature can shorten its body by 60% in a few milliseconds, reaching speeds of up to 200 meters per second squared.

Got the 'drunchies'? New study shows how heavy drinking affects diet

A new study published in the Californian Journal of Health Promotion explores how heavy drinking impacts dietary choices. Researchers found that participants were more likely to opt for salty snack foods and pizza before bed, and less likely to eat healthy foods like dark green vegetables. The study suggests that promoting healthy eati...

The value of seagrass in securing a sustainable planet

Researchers emphasize the importance of seagrass conservation in securing a sustainable planet due to its role in biodiversity, fisheries, and carbon cycling. Seagrasses store significant amounts of carbon in their sediments, supporting local ecosystems and potentially mitigating climate change.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Taking a pill can effectively treat brutal lung disease

Researchers discovered that cholesterol disruption causes PAP, a condition where air sacs clog with surfactant. A clinical trial to test statin therapy is planned, showing improved respiratory function in patients and laboratory models.

'Rape kit' evidence released to police in less than third of cases

Research reveals that hospitals struggle to collect forensic evidence from rape kits, with only a third of eligible patients completing the process and handing over evidence to police. Survivors face complex legal systems and potential trauma, emphasizing the need for proper support in emergency care departments.

Soy diets might increase women's bone strength

Researchers discovered that soy protein can counter negative effects of menopause on bone and metabolic health in postmenopausal women. Soy-based diets were found to improve bone strength and metabolic function for both rats with and without ovaries.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Potential indicator for the early detection of dementias

Researchers at the University of Basel have identified a factor that could support the early detection of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. FGF21 is induced by cellular stress reactions after disturbances in mitochondria and can be detected prior to neuronal cell death.

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.

Naltrexone helps HIV positive individuals reduce heavy alcohol use

Extended-release naltrexone helps HIV-positive individuals reduce their number of heavy drinking days and improve antiretroviral therapy adherence. The study found significant decreases in heavy drinking days among participants receiving naltrexone, but no effect on antiretroviral adherence.

Capturing elephants from the wild shortens their lives

A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals that capturing wild-caught elephants from the wild significantly reduces their lifespan compared to captive-born animals. The research analyzed data from timber camps in Myanmar and found that even years after capture, mortality rates remain increased.

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.

Genetic factors contributing to 'strabismus' -- or misaligned eyes

Researchers discovered a link between the protocadherin 17 gene and abnormal brain-eye muscle connections in zebrafish, which may contribute to strabismus. The study suggests that Pcdh17 protein plays a crucial role in positioning neurons correctly in the brain and extending axons to target muscles.

Largest haul of extrasolar planets for Japan

A team of astronomers has unveiled 44 extrasolar planets, dwarfing typical confirmation numbers. Novel techniques validated the find, enabling precise determination of planet sizes and temperatures.

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.

NASA's GPM looks at John's rainfall rates in eastern Pacific Ocean

The Global Precipitation Measurement mission observed Tropical Storm John's strengthening on August 6, 2018, with intense rainfall in feeder bands. The satellite's radar data revealed storm tops reaching heights above 13.7 km, indicating the storm's potential for intensification into a hurricane.

Corals are becoming more tolerant of rising ocean temperatures

Scientists replicate a landmark study to determine changes in coral sea temperature tolerance over time. The results show corals are becoming more tolerant of warmer temperatures, but the rate of adaptation is not keeping pace with rising ocean temperatures.

Mojave Desert birds crashed over the last century due to climate change

The study found that 30% of bird species in the Mojave Desert have become less common and widespread over the past century. Birds adapted to desert environments fared better than those adapted to grasslands or forests, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect these populations.

Link between appendicitis and allergies discovered

A new study from Lund University and Skåne University Hospital found that children with allergies have a lower risk of developing complicated appendicitis. The study compared outcomes for 605 children with and without IgE-mediated allergy, finding a significant association between the two.

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.

Sensor could help doctors select effective cancer therapy

Researchers developed a new sensor that detects hydrogen peroxide levels in human cells to identify effective chemotherapy drugs. The sensor can be used to screen existing drugs and predict success in individual patients' tumors. This breakthrough could lead to more targeted and effective cancer treatments.

SwRI®, UTSA researchers map Edwards Aquifer with innovative new tracers

Researchers are using unique DNA-based tracers to characterize the recharge and flow patterns in the Edwards Aquifer, a vital source of drinking water for central and south Texas. The new method allows for rapid detection of contaminant sources and creation of a robust database to calibrate groundwater modeling.

Research identifies new treatment targets in breast cancer

Scientists at Huntsman Cancer Institute have generated a comprehensive molecular map of genes that control breast tissue formation, providing new insights into the development of breast cancer. The study identifies hundreds of potentially critical genes for further research as regulators of normal and cancerous development.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Pacific Ocean's effect on Arctic warming

Changes in heat flow from the Pacific Ocean may have a larger effect on Arctic climate than previously recognized. The study found that ocean-to-atmosphere heat flow scenarios in the North Pacific and North Atlantic resulted in greater global and Arctic surface air temperature anomalies.

A scientific dating game: biologists play RNA-protein matchmakers

Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have developed a statistical method to analyze millions of RNA structures, enabling them to predict functional interactions. This breakthrough aims to prevent toxic relationships between molecules that lead to disease, and potentially improve human health.

NASA studies space applications for GaN crystals

Researchers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center are investigating the use of gallium nitride crystals in various space applications, including radiation tolerance and neutron detection. The material's high efficiency and resistance to radiation make it an attractive option for reducing instrument size, weight, and power consumption.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Scientists design new MRI coil for preclinical studies

Researchers created an MRI coil that produces images with three times higher resolution than standard coils, enabling easy whole-body imaging of mice. The new coil design uses inexpensive materials and manufacturing technology, reducing noise and improving image quality.

Rediscovering the sources of Egyptian metals

Researchers analyzed copper-based artifacts to understand provenance and production of Egyptian metal objects, finding signs of localized ore sources and diverse metal origins. The findings offer new insights into ancient Egyptian metallurgy and supply networks, highlighting the importance of ongoing research.

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.

The sun should not set twice before hip fracture repair

A large study found that delaying hip fracture surgery beyond two days increases postoperative mortality. The researchers suggest adopting a 'don't let the sun set twice' policy for timely access to the operating room, which could avoid up to 16.5% of in-hospital deaths.

Severely obese people can reduce risk of atrial fibrillation with exercise

A recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that physically active severely obese individuals had a significantly lower risk of developing atrial fibrillation. In contrast, those who were inactive or exercised little experienced a doubling of this risk. The study suggests that regular physical activi...

LSU Health research reveals new obesity prevention target

A study published in Frontiers in Public Health found that Grenadian female adolescents adhering to a traditional diet rich in healthy foods have lower rates of obesity than those consuming a more westernized diet. The researchers identified a generational effect, where the prevalence of obesity increases with future generations.

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.

Mass timber: Thinking big about sustainable construction

Researchers at MIT have designed a highly energy-efficient community building using mass timber, demonstrating its potential for large-scale applications. The structure's laminated veneer lumber design offers improved fire resistance and carbon sequestration, making it an attractive alternative to conventional materials.

How to trigger innate fear response?

KAIST neuroscientists discover the anterior cingulate cortex plays a role in inhibiting innate fear responses to predators' odors, shedding light on instinctive fear behavior. The study paves the way for therapeutic treatments of fear-related mental disorders such as panic and PTSD.

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.

UCLA bioengineers use magnetic force to manage pain

Researchers at UCLA have demonstrated a promising approach to treating chronic pain by using biomechanical forces to control cell proteins. The study shows that magnetically induced mechanical forces can reduce pain signals in neurons by increasing calcium ions and adapting the cells' response over time.

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.

Those fragrances you enjoy? Dinosaurs liked them first

Floral scents have been attracting pollinating insects and other animals since the mid-Cretaceous Period, providing olfactory excitement to these ancient creatures. The study found that modern and ancient flowers of the same lineages produced similar essences, suggesting a long history of floral fragrance production.