Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive December 2018


Page 23 of 33

Proteins for making tough rubber

Researchers at Sichuan University developed a synthetic analogue to vulcanized natural rubber by attaching short protein chains to the polymer backbone. This results in a self-reinforcing effect under strain, making the material tougher and more recyclable. The new rubber's properties closely resemble those of vulcanized natural rubber.

Topological matters: Toward a new kind of transistor

Researchers have demonstrated electronic switching in an exotic, ultrathin material at room temperature, reducing energy loss and increasing efficiency for transistors. The breakthrough uses sodium bismuthide (Na3Bi), a 'topological Dirac semimetal' that can be tuned to behave like a conventional or topological material.

Geomagnetic record of South Atlantic Anomaly

Researchers report a high-resolution geomagnetic field record spanning 1,500 years from Brazilian caves, indicating recurrent periods of rapid directional change consistent with westward migration and expansion of reversed flux patches. The study provides insights into the core-mantle boundary dynamics and Earth's magnetic field evolut...

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.

Frog sex in the city

Male tungara frogs in urban environments produce more complex and conspicuous calls to attract females, which are preferred over those of forest frogs. This adaptation suggests that urbanization drives changes in sexual signaling to improve mating success.

Bioenergy crop biodiversity and climate gains

A study suggests that bioenergy crop expansion can outweigh gains from climate change mitigation in terms of biodiversity impact. The findings highlight the need for alternative strategies to reduce biodiversity loss under a high-emission scenario.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How does cancer spread?

Researchers at McGill University Health Centre found a gene called EGFRvIII that changes the content of messages exchanged between cells, leading to aggressive brain cancer glioblastoma. This discovery holds promise for developing tests and tailored treatments for patients with glioblastoma.

Physicists edge closer to controlling chemical reactions

Researchers create algorithm to predict tunneling ionization rates for complex molecules, potentially controlling electron motion and chemical reactions. This breakthrough enables precise calculations of probabilities and opens up new areas of science and technology applications.

NASA provides new look at Puerto Rico post-Hurricane Maria

Hurricane Maria caused widespread destruction in Puerto Rico's forests, with 40-60% of tall trees damaged. The island's energy grid also struggled to recover, with rural areas experiencing longer power outages. NASA research has provided new insights into the storm's impacts on communities and critical infrastructure.

Past analogs of projected future climates

A study compared projected future climate temperatures and precipitation to those of past warm periods on Earth. Mid-Pliocene climates (3.3-3 million years ago) emerged as the best analog for future climates after 2030 CE, while unmitigated greenhouse gas emissions scenarios led to Early Eocene-like conditions by 2150 CE.

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.

Journalists can restore media trust

A first-of-its-kind study from LSU shows that journalists can increase media trust by defending their profession while also doing more fact checking. The combination of these two actions had positive effects on mainstream news use and confidence in facts in politics, but fact checking alone did not.

Strep bacteria compete for 'ownership' of human tissue

A new study found that Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria that occupy human host tissue first are more likely to thrive than competing strains. The researchers discovered that these 'owners' release toxins to kill intruders, while also releasing protective factors to defend themselves.

Versatility in hominin diets

Researchers discovered two early hominin species coexisted in southern East African Rift system, displaying dietary generalism and adaptability to paleoenvironmental conditions. The results suggest a high degree of versatility in their ability to thrive in various environments.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Study finds higher risk of breast cancer for women after giving birth

Researchers found that breastfeeding and family history of breast cancer had no impact on the increased risk. Risk peaked five years after childbirth, with a 80% higher risk compared to childfree women, but decreased by age 50. The study could inform screening decisions and prevention strategies.

Evaluation and speed of judgments

In a series of studies involving over 2,300 participants, researchers discovered that groups required less information to reach judgments compared to predicting the minimum necessary. This finding implies both information providers and consumers may overestimate the information needed to form judgments.

Making cities smarter

The convergence of cyber and physical infrastructure enables better decision-making and efficient resource use in smart cities. Chengshan Xiao, Professor at Lehigh University, is exploring novel hybrid precoding designs to reduce cost, complexity, and power consumption in next-generation wireless networks.

New light on blocking Shiga and ricin toxins -- And on an iconic biological process

A recent study using CRISPR/Cas9 technology identified two factors necessary for Shiga and ricin toxins to enter cells: TMEM165 and TM9SF2. These proteins are found in the cell's Golgi apparatus and play a crucial role in glycosylation, a fundamental biological process that enables cells to create diverse molecules with varied function...

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

How will the winds of climate change affect migratory birds?

A new study from Cornell University suggests that climate change could have both positive and negative impacts on migratory birds. The research estimates how wind assistance is expected to change during this century under global climate change, with stronger winds from the south expected in spring and fall migration periods.

Houses in hurricane strike zones are built back bigger

A study found that homes in hurricane-hit areas of the US are being rebuilt with larger footprints, often exceeding pre-storm sizes. This trend increases coastal risk and puts strain on subsidized insurance funding for properties in at-risk areas.

Females prefer city frogs' tunes

A new study found that urban frogs have more conspicuous and complex vocal calls, making them more attractive to females. In contrast, the simpler calls of forest frogs are less appealing.

A better understanding of labour market behaviour and success

Fuchs-Schündeln's ERC project aims to analyze heterogeneous labor market outcomes, exploring effects of maternity leave policies and increasing female presence in occupations on relative wages. The €1.6m grant will fund four subprojects involving macro- and microeconomic methods.

Small but versatile

New research reveals that marine ammonia oxidizing archaea can use cyanate and urea as alternative energy sources, enhancing their metabolic capabilities. This discovery sheds light on the remarkable adaptability of these microorganisms, which play a key role in the marine nitrogen cycle.

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.

Addressing sleep disorders after traumatic brain injury

Scientists review interplay between sleep and TBI to improve diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. Early treatment is crucial for optimal cognitive recovery, and non-pharmacologic interventions like regular bedtime routines and sleep-conducive environments can help.

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.

Regrowing damaged nerves hinges on shutting down key genes

Researchers identified a suite of genes that must be turned off for axons to regenerate in peripheral nerves after injury. To regrow, neurons must transition back to an immature state and re-engage developmental programs. The study provides evidence for the idea that cells must become less mature to regenerate.

Novel laser technology for microchip-size chemical sensors

Researchers at TU Wien develop a patent-pending technology to create frequency combs on a single chip, enabling chemical analysis in tiny spaces. The system can detect various chemical substances and is robust against disturbances, making it perfect for practical applications.

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.

SourceData and BioStudies bring open data sharing to EMBO Press

SourceData from EMBO is an open platform that makes research data directly searchable, while BioStudies aggregates the data files linked to a specific publication or project. This integrated workflow enables authors to make their published data openly accessible and easy to find.

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.

DNA find

A QUT-led collaboration reveals the banded hare-wallaby is the closest living relative of the giant short-faced kangaroos. The study combined DNA evidence with fossil and anatomical data to trace body size change over millions of years.

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.

Are amorphous solids elastic or plastic?

Researchers found that amorphous solids can be truly elastic and reversible for small strains, but become marginally stable with infinitesimal deformations, exhibiting both elastic and plastic behavior

Molecular insights into spider silk

Researchers from the University of Würzburg have provided new insights into the molecular-level structural details responsible for spider silk's exceptional strength, extensibility, and biodegradability. The study suggests that a molecular clamp connecting protein building blocks contributes to the material's flexibility.

Inflammatory bowel disease linked to prostate cancer

A 20-year study from Northwestern Medicine found men with inflammatory bowel disease have four to five times higher risk of prostate cancer and elevated PSA values. Researchers are now investigating the mechanism behind gut inflammation leading to prostate cancer.

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.

Carnegie Mellon researchers probe hydrogen bonds using new technique

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University used nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy to probe the hydrogen bonds that modulate the chemical reactivity of enzymes, catalysts, and biomimetic complexes. The study provides valuable information on how systematic changes to hydrogen bonds within the secondary coordination sphere influen...

News about a plant hormone

Scientists have found that jasmonic acid triggers the quick closure of stomata, a crucial mechanism for plants to conserve water during drought stress. The discovery also reveals a molecular crosstalk between jasmonic acid and abscisic acid, two key plant hormones involved in regulating stomatal conductance.

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.

Elucidating protein-protein interactions & designing small molecule inhibitors

Researchers have developed computational methods to predict and design small molecule inhibitors that can disrupt protein-protein interactions, a critical property of cell sustenance. The study provides insights into the challenges faced by researchers investigating protein-protein interactions through computational methods.

Study: Damning evidence of dam's impacts on rainforest birds

A 30-year-old hydroelectric project in Thailand has caused the local bird population to collapse. The reservoir has inundated a unique habitat rich in biodiversity, leading to deforestation and human-caused fire, resulting in isolated habitat patches dominated by disturbance-tolerant species.

A new 'spin' on kagome lattices

A recent study reveals that Fe3Sn2 exhibits nematic electronic state and giant magnetization-driven energy shift, shedding new light on the presence of spin-orbit coupling in kagome lattices. The research also shows that the material can be manipulated to change its electron energy structure through tuning the magnetic field.

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.

Being yelled at: Our brain on alert in a flash

A recent study by researchers at the University of Geneva found that our brains quickly differentiate between angry and happy voices, with a faster response time to perceived threats. This enhanced auditory attention enables us to detect potential dangers more effectively, leading to improved survival behavior.