Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive February 2018


Page 26 of 36

Bitcoin crash could derail other cryptocurrencies

New research finds that a Bitcoin crash would likely only affect other cryptocurrencies, while traditional assets remain unaffected. The study reveals significant price spillovers between cryptocurrencies and other financial assets.

Biochar could replace unsustainable peat moss in greenhouse industry

Researchers have found that biochar can replace unsustainable peat moss in potting mix without harming plant growth. Biochar decomposes slowly, sequestering carbon and reducing emissions. However, high concentrations of biochar can cause pH issues, but these effects are short-lived.

Blood sodium levels may affect cognition in older adults

A new study found that lower sodium levels in the blood, known as hyponatremia, are related to declines in cognitive function with advancing age. Slightly lower serum sodium levels were associated with increased risk of cognitive impairment and decline over time, while high serum sodium was also linked to cognitive decline.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Human antibodies undermine parasite sex

Researchers have discovered that human antibodies can prevent malaria spread by destroying parasites in mosquitoes and preventing fertilization. This finding holds promise for developing a vaccine to halt the disease's transmission, which could significantly reduce global malaria burden.

'Spectacular' finding: New 3-D vision discovered in praying mantis

Researchers at Newcastle University have discovered a new form of 3D vision in praying mantises that works differently from previously known forms. This unique vision system allows mantises to detect movement and distance without detailed image matching, making it robust and efficient for processing.

What makes the bacteria behind Lyme disease tick?

Researchers have identified the crucial role of peptide uptake in Borrelia burgdorferi's viability and ability to infect mammals. Blocking this process could lead to novel therapeutic interventions for Lyme disease.

AI computer vision breakthrough IDs poachers in less than half a second

Researchers at USC Center for Artificial Intelligence in Society developed an AI algorithm, SPOT, to detect poachers in near real-time using infrared images. The algorithm can distinguish between humans and animals in just over three-tenths of a second, reducing the time spent on monitoring wildlife.

Rapid land changes forecast for East African savannahs

A 5000-year study of Amboseli National Park in Kenya reveals rapid environmental changes caused by human activities, including the arrival of Massai people and the ivory trade. The findings highlight the need to manage national park boundaries more strictly to keep pace with climate change.

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.

More efficient method devised to drug test athletes

Researchers at University of Waterloo develop coated blade-spray mass spectrometry for rapid on-site screening of athletes' blood and urine samples, reducing analysis time to 55 seconds and cost to a few dollars per sample. The technology aims to prevent cheating by providing continuous monitoring.

Termites' unique gut 'factory' key to global domination

The study reveals that termites' gut microbiome is a complex factory producing sugars and proteins from wood and air, with up to 5000 different microbe species. Researchers discovered that microbes are shared across colonies, allowing termites to diversify their food source and achieve ecological dominance.

Include patient's bucket list in end-of-life care conversations

Researchers identified common bucket-list themes among patients with chronic and serious illnesses, including travel, personal goals, and quality time with friends and family. This knowledge can serve as a roadmap for clinicians to provide tailored care that respects patients' preferences and values.

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.

Lab-grown eggs could pave way towards new fertility treatments

Scientists have successfully grown human eggs in a laboratory from their earliest stage to full maturity, paving the way for improved fertility treatments. The advance aims to safeguard the fertility of girls with cancer ahead of potentially harmful medical treatment.

Chimpanzee self-control is related to intelligence, Georgia State study finds

A recent study by Georgia State researchers found a correlation between chimpanzee self-control and general intelligence, mirroring the famous marshmallow test results in humans. The Hybrid Delay Task revealed that chimps who showed higher levels of generalized intelligence were more efficient in delayed gratification tests.

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.

Smart Thermometer improves flu forecasting

Researchers found that de-identified smart thermometer data was highly correlated with traditional public health surveillance systems, improving flu forecasting by up to four weeks. The data also revealed age-group specific incidence and estimated the duration of fevers during flu season.

Are you rocky or are you gassy?

Astronomers have discovered a trio of super-Earths around the star GJ 9827, with two of them having radii between 1.7 times and 2.5 times that of Earth, sparking debate about their composition. The study's findings provide insight into how these planets form and evolve, with implications for the search for life beyond our Solar System.

The secrets behind hummingbirds' flight agility revealed

A new study found that hummingbirds' muscle capacity is associated with better deacceleration, accelerating on a dime, and upward rotations. Wing loading was also linked to rotational movement and turns in general, suggesting that evolved changes in muscle capacity may compensate for relatively small wing size.

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.

Light and copper catalysis improves amine synthesis

A new method has been developed for synthesizing alkyl amines using photocatalysis alongside copper catalysis, overcoming the challenge of alkyl group synthesis. The approach allows for high selectivity and compatibility with functional groups, and can be carried out at ambient temperatures.

Simple rules can help fishery managers cope with ecological complexity

A study found that economic benefits from considering ecosystem factors in fisheries management are minor, but the approach offers help in avoiding worst-case scenarios and identifying 'safe zones' for managing fisheries. This framework allows managers to identify specific zones with low risks of major economic losses.

'Zipping-up' rings to make nanographenes

Researchers at Nagoya University have created a simple and efficient way to form nanographenes in a controlled fashion. The team's approach uses a palladium catalyst to connect benzene units at two points, forming a triangle-like structure that can be repeated to generate the desired molecule.

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.

With new grant, MIT neuroscientists will give 'invisible' cells a new look

Astrocytes may partner with neurons to process information, according to a new MIT study funded by a $1.9 million grant. The research aims to uncover the crucial role of astrocytes in brain function and development, potentially providing insight into disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and autism.

Timing is everything, to our genes

A Salk Institute study has discovered that nearly 80 percent of genes exhibit daily fluctuations, with the most rhythmic genes peaking in early morning and late afternoon. This finding has significant implications for understanding circadian disruption's impact on diseases such as depression and heart disease.

Thousands of lives would be saved if counties met ATS clean air standards

The American Thoracic Society and Marron Institute report estimates that meeting the ATS's standards for ozone and fine particulate matter would save approximately 6,270 lives annually and avoid 15,300 instances of serious illness. Implementing these standards could reduce missed school and work days by 12.7 million.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

FSU researchers: Savanna fires pump Central African forests full of nitrogen

Researchers have discovered a new role for large-scale fires and high nitrogen deposition in the ecology and biogeochemistry of Central African forests. The findings suggest that massive tracts of biomass from savannas are swept up into the atmosphere and deposited on the forests, stimulating growth in certain species.

Distinctive brain pattern helps habits form

Researchers found neurons that fire at the beginning and end of a behavior, marking the start and end of habits. The study sheds light on how the brain groups behaviors together into routines.

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.

A noninvasive way to manipulate neural activity with optogenetics

A new optogenetic technique allows for non-invasive deep brain neural stimulation or inhibition by applying light externally to the skull. The technique, tested in mice, may one day complement current approaches to deep brain stimulation and therapies for neurological disorders in humans.

Interference as a new method for cooling quantum devices

Researchers propose a novel method to cool quantum devices by leveraging quantum interference, effectively cancelling heat flow and mitigating thermal noise. This innovative approach has the potential to significantly enhance the performance and stability of quantum computers.

Thirdhand smoke lingers in casino months after smoking ban

A new study found that thirdhand smoke residue remains in casino surfaces six months after a smoking ban, posing health risks to non-smokers. The researchers recommend casinos implement smoking bans sooner to reduce the toxic legacy of tobacco use.

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.

Researchers help robots think and plan in the abstract

Scientists at Brown University have created a way for robots to learn high-level abstract representations of their surroundings, enabling them to plan and act more autonomously. By using machine learning algorithms, robots can distill complex sensory data into simple, text-based descriptions that facilitate planning and skill execution.

Stroke risk factors unique to women identified

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified unique stroke risk factors in women, including early age of menarche, low levels of dehydroepiandrosterone hormone, and oral estrogen use. The study emphasizes the need for clinicians to consider these factors, particularly in women with a history of pregnancy complications.

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.

Tea Party movement has paved the way for racialized language in US politics

Italian researchers found that Tea Party supporters exhibited greater racial resentment towards non-white individuals and relied on it when evaluating Obama. The study suggests the Tea Party movement paved the way for mainstream acceptance of racially hostile content, contributing to Trump's communication strategy.

Scientists observe nanowires as they grow

Researchers at DESY's X-ray source PETRA III have observed the growth of gallium arsenide nanowires for the first time, providing new insights into their shape and crystal structure. The study reveals a second component contributing to the growth process, allowing wires to gain width independently of the VLS mechanism.

Scientists develop a 'third eye' to examine stem cells

Researchers have developed a method for marking dividing stem cells with three different labels, increasing accuracy and speed of analysis. This allows study of new populations of stem cells, including those in the brain and other tissues.

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.

Vape shops could be 'valuable allies' to NHS

Research shows that vape shops provide valuable behavioural support for quitters and offer an opportunity for socialisation to reinforce vaping. Vape shops could be a valuable ally to the NHS in reducing smoking, according to new study.

Evolution -- and skill -- help hefty hummingbirds stay spry

New research reveals that larger hummingbirds can compensate for their greater body masses by adapting their physiology. The study found that acceleration is primarily driven by muscle capacity, while wing size plays a key role in maneuverability.

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.

iPS cell-derived inner ear cells may improve congenital hearing loss

Researchers at Kumamoto University successfully grafted human iPS cell-derived inner ear cells into embryonic mice, expressing key proteins essential for hearing development. The study's findings suggest that these cells may compensate for missing proteins and improve hearing loss in hereditary cases.

Avoiding blackouts with 100 percent renewable energy

The study proposes three methods for consistent power among all sectors in 20 world regions, matching supply and demand in 30-second increments. It suggests solutions with no added hydropower turbines and no storage in water, ice or rocks, avoiding blackouts at low cost.

Molecular 'magnets' could improve cancer immunotherapy

Research from the Francis Crick Institute discovered that immune cells called Natural Killer cells accumulate in tumours and release chemicals attracting specialised dendritic cells. Genes associated with these cells correlated with cancer patient survival rates, suggesting a new basis for immunotherapies.

First 3-D imaging of excited quantum dots

A US research team has successfully imaged excited quantum dots at multiple orientations using a new technique called single molecule absorption scanning tunneling microscopy (SMA-STM). This allows for the visualization of defects in quantum dots, which can be characterized and precisely controlled to improve their performance.

New map profiles induced earthquake risk for West Texas

A new study maps induced earthquake risk in the Permian Basin of West Texas, highlighting areas prone to seismic activity from fluid injection. The detailed stress map provides quantitative data for oil companies to inform more effective drilling operations and reduce the probability of larger earthquakes.

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.