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Science News Archive August 2018


Page 6 of 41

Protect key habitats, not just wilderness, to preserve species

A new study suggests that protecting key habitats outside of existing wildernesses and preserves is essential for conserving at-risk species with small ranges. The analysis shows that even half of the world's large wilderness areas may not be enough to protect many more species.

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.

Six countries in the Americas account for half of all firearm deaths

A new study reveals that six countries in the Americas - Brazil, the US, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, and Guatemala - accounted for over half of all firearm-related deaths in 2016. The study found that global firearm-related deaths exceeded conflict and terrorism deaths every year from 1990 to 2016, except for 1994.

Migrating monarchs facing increased parasite risks

Research found that migrating monarchs encounter high levels of disease when interacting with resident monarchs at tropical milkweed sites, which can lead to reproductive issues and reduced migration rates. Monarch populations are vulnerable to parasitic protozoan OE due to the loss of natural migration patterns.

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.

Amazonian rainfall increases in wet season

Recent study reveals Amazonian precipitation in wet season has largely increased during the past three decades due to changes in sea surface temperature (SST) variability. This finding suggests a new perspective for studying long-term change in Amazonian precipitation.

A non-canonical strategy may improve cancer radiotherapy

Researchers have found that disrupting the non-canonical NF-κB pathway improves the effects of radiotherapy by enhancing the immune system's ability to interact with radiation. This new approach may lead to novel combination strategies for improving cancer treatment.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Smoking and drinking can damage arteries 'very early in life'

A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that teenage smokers and heavy drinkers experience arterial damage, which can predict heart problems later in life. The research analyzed data from over 1,200 adolescents and showed that a combination of smoking and drinking significantly increased arterial stiffness.

Discovery on East Asian monsoon dynamics

Scientists found four pivotal strengthening events in the East Asian summer monsoon between 1250-1900 CE, with ocean sediments offering a more reliable record of past monsoon signals. The study provides insights into Asian monsoon dynamics and their impact on regional societies.

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.

Close ties with fathers help daughters overcome loneliness

A recent study found that girls who have closer relationships with their fathers tend to report less loneliness as they transition from first grade to fifth grade. This suggests that fathers can help their daughters feel more connected and reduce feelings of isolation.

Take a vacation -- it could prolong your life

A 40-year study found that vacations can prolong life by reducing stress. Men who took longer vacations had lower mortality rates than those with shorter vacation times, suggesting that stress reduction is key to cardiovascular health.

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.

The 'invisible hand' doesn't control markets

New research from Michigan State University challenges the traditional 'invisible hand' theory of market control. A third party's intervention disrupts trading relationships, establishing trust and loyalty among parties involved. This leads to favorable prices, but also creates a risk of runaway train-like effects unless regulated.

E. coli strain from retail poultry may cause urinary tract infections in people

A study found that a specific E. coli strain from retail poultry products is causing urinary tract infections in people, with nearly 80% of meat samples and 72% of patient cultures positive for the bacteria. The research suggests that cooking poultry thoroughly and handling it carefully are crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Goats prefer happy people

A new study found that goats can differentiate between positive and negative human facial expressions and prefer to interact with the former. The researchers observed that goats spent more time approaching images of happy faces than angry ones, suggesting a preference for positive emotions.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

FeCo-selenide -- Next-generation material in energy storage devices?

Researchers fabricated an asymmetric supercapacitor based on FeCo-selenide nanosheet arrays, demonstrating a specific capacitance of 978 F/g and cycle stability of 81.2%. The device also showed excellent electrochemical performance, providing evidence that FeCo-selenide could be the next-generation promising electrode material.

Blood pressure drug slows aortic dilatation in Marfan syndrome

Treatment with irbesartan, a blood pressure medication, slows aortic dilatation in children and young adults with Marfan syndrome. The five-year study found a clinically important reduction in aortic dilatation rates, potentially delaying surgical intervention and reducing complications.

Invisible needles

Researchers from Politecnico di Torino and NUST MISIS create a new metamaterial that cloaks nano-sensors, improving their accuracy in optics and biomedicine. The development is part of the Italian-Russian project ANASTASIA, funded by Compagnia di San Paolo.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

The link between obesity, the brain, and genetics

New research at McGill University found that people with higher BMI tend to have reduced cognitive flexibility, increased volume in the left amygdala and decreased volume in certain memory structures. The study suggests a model where genetics play a role in obesity through brain anatomy and cognitive functions.

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.

Is it safe for women with heart disease to become pregnant?

Researchers analyzed data from over 5,700 pregnant women with heart disease and found that fewer deaths occurred during pregnancy compared to previous years. However, nearly one in ten women with pulmonary arterial hypertension died during pregnancy or early post-partum. Pre-pregnancy counseling is crucial to identify high-risk patients.

Remote islands harbor higher numbers of non-native species

Research by an international team from the University of Vienna reveals that remote islands have higher numbers of non-native species, which can lead to extinction events and threaten unique island species. The study found that isolation from the mainland increases the number of non-native species, while native species decline.

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.

Combination approach shows promise for beating advanced melanoma

A UCLA-led study found that a combination of pembrolizumab and SD-101 can alter the tumor microenvironment, enabling the immune system to attack cancer more effectively. The treatment has shown promise in people receiving immunotherapy for the first time, with some patients experiencing complete tumor disappearance.

Rethinking a healthy diet from a global perspective

Scientists developed an updated international approach to identifying a healthy diet by analyzing data from large global studies involving over 240,000 people from more than 50 countries. The new guidelines suggest higher amounts of fruit, vegetables, nuts, and fish in the diet to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

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.

All wired up: New molecular wires for single-molecule electronic devices

Researchers designed a novel molecular wire with a polyyne backbone and a ruthenium-based unit, achieving higher conductance than previous organic molecular wires. The origin of high conductance lies in orbital splitting, which induces changes in the electron orbitals to facilitate electron transfer between metal electrodes and the wir...

Few people at risk for heart disease understand food labels

A study of 200 Irish adults found that many struggle to understand food labels, particularly men and those at risk for cardiovascular disease. The survey revealed gaps in consumers' use and interpretation of nutritional information, highlighting the need for improved public education and enhanced labeling.

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.

Genes that regulate how much we dream

Researchers identified two essential genes involved in regulating REM sleep duration in mice. The knockout of these genes resulted in drastically decreased REM sleep and altered sleep patterns. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying REM sleep, a crucial aspect of maintaining mental and physical health.

Research brief: Researchers 3D print prototype for 'bionic eye'

A team of researchers at the University of Minnesota has successfully 3D printed a hemispherical surface with an array of light receptors. This breakthrough discovery brings scientists closer to creating a 'bionic eye' that could potentially restore vision in blind individuals.

A novel nanoactuator system has been developed

A new nanoactuator system has been developed that can tune the conformation of biomolecules using an electric field. The system uses a gold nanoparticle tethered on a conducting surface, which can be moved reversibly using electric fields and monitored optically via changes in its plasmon resonance.

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.

New treatment can halve hospital stays for some patients with heart infection

A new treatment has been found to significantly reduce hospital stays for patients with heart infections by halving the duration of intravenous antibiotic treatment. The POET trial showed that giving patients oral antibiotics after at least ten days of intravenous treatment was as effective and safe as continued intravenous treatment, ...

If military robot falls, it can get itself up

Scientists at U.S. Army Research Laboratory and Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory develop software to analyze a robot's ability to self-right from any overturned orientation. The team evaluates the Advanced Explosive Ordnance Disposal Robotic System and determines it can right itself on level ground regardless of its ...

WSU Spokane researchers develop potential drugs to help curb smoking

Researchers at WSU Spokane have created candidate drugs to slow down the breakdown of nicotine in the body, aiming to reduce tobacco consumption and quit smoking. The substances target liver enzyme CYP2A6, which metabolizes nicotine, potentially alleviating withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and irritability.

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.

Study helps children hit the right note in supporting autistic peers

Researchers discovered that children without autism who participated in music classes with autistic peers displayed increased empathy and a decrease in antisocial emotions. Children with autism reported feeling less victimized after participating in music lessons, which could lead to improved social interactions and reduced bullying.