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Science News Archive December 2018


Page 4 of 33

More young and other traits help mammals adapt to urban environments

A study by Radboud University ecologist Luca Santini found that mammals living in urban environments produce more young, which is likely due to high mortality rates. Different groups of mammals use various strategies to adapt, such as producing larger litters, having brains and bodies better suited for their environment.

Interpreting emotions: A matter of confidence

A recent study by UNIGE and HUG researchers found that people's confidence in interpreting others' emotions is often skewed by their personal experiences. The study used functional MRI to examine brain activity during emotional recognition, revealing that areas of the brain linked to autobiographical memory play a key role in determini...

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.

Looking at molecules from two sides with table-top femtosecond soft-X-rays

A bright source of femtosecond soft X-ray pulses has been created using extreme high-order harmonic generation process. This enables the simultaneous local probing at both carbon and nitrogen sites within molecules, facilitating multiple-site investigation with potential correlations between these sites upon molecular rearrangements.

Two Type 2 diabetes drugs linked to higher risk of heart disease

A Northwestern Medicine study found that sulfonylureas and basal insulin increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and amputation in patients with Type 2 diabetes. The study suggests a paradigm shift in treatment, recommending newer diabetes medications with more favorable cardiovascular profiles.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Quantum tricks to unveil the secrets of topological materials

Researchers at TU Wien and China's University of Science and Technology have developed a new method to identify topologically interesting quantum states in materials. By manipulating the geometry of atomic arrangements using light waves, they can reveal clear signatures indicating whether such states exist or not.

Fire air pollution weakens forest productivity

A new study found that fire air pollution weakens forest productivity globally, with surface O3 reducing GPP by 4.9 Pg C and global aerosols enhancing it by 1.0 Pg C. The net impact is dominated by O3, leading to a reduction of 0.9 Pg C annually.

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.

Researchers suggest ways to reduce head impacts in youth football

A recent study suggests that limiting contact in football practice can reduce head impacts, but the correct approach involves adjusting practice methods such as reducing speed and improving tackling technique. The researchers found that full-speed tackling and blocking drills resulted in the highest head impact severity and frequency.

A safe, wearable soft sensor

Researchers have created a soft, non-toxic wearable sensor that measures force and motion to diagnose developmental disabilities. The sensor is designed for small children and has the potential to provide advantages not currently available.

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.

North-star perspectives for Actinium-225 production at commercial scale

Actinium-225 has low production yields, making its commercial production unsustainable. Research from Northstar Medical Technologies LLC presents techniques to improve sustainability, including established and experimental methods. The company aims to provide reliable and environmentally friendly radioisotope supply solutions.

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.

Lean electrolyte design is a game-changer for magnesium batteries

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a high-energy magnesium battery with up to 243 watt hours per kilogram, outperforming earlier models. The new design uses a chloride-free electrolyte and organic cathode, enabling stable performance and high energy storage capacity.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Baby star's fiery tantrum could create the building blocks of planets

A massive stellar flare on a baby star has been spotted by University of Warwick astronomers, revealing how it could create the building blocks for future planets. The flare's x-rays are thought to affect the formation of chondrules, flash-melted calcium-aluminium-rich grains that eventually coalesce into orbiting planets.

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.

How dietary fiber and gut bacteria protect the cardiovascular system

Researchers found that a fatty acid produced by gut bacteria, propionate, helps defend against the effects of high blood pressure, including atherosclerosis and heart tissue remodeling. A diet rich in fiber can increase survival rate and reduce damage to the cardiovascular system.

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.

300 blind mice uncover genetic causes of eye disease

A team of researchers has identified 261 new genes linked to blindness and vision disorders in mice, which could help identify new causes of hereditary blindness in humans. The study uses a large database of gene-knockout mice to accelerate the application of genomics in clinical medicine.

Twisting light to enable high-capacity data transmission

Researchers have developed tiny gears made of germanium that can generate a vortex of twisted light, enabling high-capacity data transmission with chip-based optical computing and communication. The new technology has the potential to boost the amount of data that can be transmitted using less light.

Camera trap study reveals the hidden lives of island carnivores

A study by Max Allen and colleagues found several mammalian predators, including gray wolves and American martens, living on islands with varying sizes and proximity to the mainland. The research offers new insights into island biogeography and highlights the importance of preserving carnivore habitats.

Study looks at ED visits to examine opioid prescribing in pediatric patients

The study analyzed data from over 69,000 ED visits for patients under 18 and found a decrease in opioid prescribing rates from 2006-2010 to 2011-2015. Regional and demographic differences were observed, with higher rates among white patients and those aged 13-17, as well as lower rates among Medicaid recipients.

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.

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.

Cancer's metabolism subject of trailblazing study

Researchers examined cancer metabolism using flux-balance analysis and found that the Warburg effect provides a growth advantage for tumors, while glutamine addiction does not. The study also sheds light on the relationship between healthy cells and tumor cells under the reverse Warburg effect.

AIDS -- an approach for targeting HIV reservoirs

Researchers at Institut Pasteur have identified CD4 T lymphocytes as a key target for HIV infection and developed a new approach to eliminate infected cells. By blocking the virus's energy production, scientists can destroy infected reservoirs, potentially leading to remission.

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.

Novel imaging technique brings diagnostic potential into operating room

Researchers have developed a novel portable optical imaging system that enables real-time visualization of tumor microenvironment in human breast tissue shortly after surgery. The system provides molecular features of breast cancer tissue, allowing for more accurate diagnoses and tracking of tumor progression.

Faint glow within galaxy clusters illuminates dark matter

Astronomers have found a way to illuminate the elusive nature of dark matter by analyzing intracluster light from six massive galaxy clusters in the Frontier Fields program. The faint glow between galaxies in a cluster traces the path of dark matter, providing a more accurate understanding of its distribution.

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.

Leuven scientists tackle one immune disease after the other

Researchers reveal that dendritic cell partnership with CD4 T cells is crucial for disease development in both diseases, offering new insights into treatment options. The study also highlights the importance of targeting multiple pathways to treat patients with these immunological disorders.

Research reveals 'fundamental finding' about Earth's outer core

Researchers used high-powered supercomputing techniques to simulate extreme conditions and determine the maximum amount of nitrogen in the Earth's outer core. The study provides critical insights into the planet's chemical composition and its potential impact on habitability.

Parkinson's disease protein buys time for cell repair

Researchers have discovered how a protein called Parkin protects neurons in the brain by repairing internal damage that may otherwise kill them. The study found that Parkin 'buys time' for cells to respond to damage and triggers cell death, potentially leading to neuronal loss in Parkinson's disease.

Quantum Maxwell's demon 'teleports' entropy out of a qubit

Researchers describe an extended quantum Maxwell's demon that violates the second law of thermodynamics in a system up to 5 meters away from the device. The demon channels entropy away from a target qubit, reducing its disorder without affecting its energy.

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.