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Science News Archive February 2018


Page 30 of 36

Army research leading to materials of the future wins national award

Researchers at Cornell University developed a novel analytical technique to visualize polymer chain growth in real-time. By combining magnetic tweezers, optical microscopy, and spectroscopic techniques, they discovered that individual polymer chains undergo consecutive wait-and-jump steps.

Highly efficient ammonia synthesis catalyst developed

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have discovered a highly efficient ammonia synthesis catalyst that functions at low temperatures, exceeding the efficiency of conventional ruthenium and iron catalysts. The catalyst's unique structure expands surface area to improve performance.

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.

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.

Breast cancer patients often mispredict well-being after mastectomy

Women who underwent mastectomy without reconstruction underestimated their future quality of life, while those with immediate reconstruction overestimated it. The study highlights the importance of decision support for breast reconstruction, taking into account patients' expectations about well-being.

HKU scientist makes key discoveries in the search for life on Mars

Recent publications by Dr. Joseph Michalski and colleagues cast doubt on the idea of surface life evolving on Mars due to extremely cold and dry climate conditions. However, they suggest subsurface life is a promising option, focusing exploration on hydrothermal deposits.

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.

September 2017 earthquakes highlight successes of Mexico's early warning system

The September 2017 earthquakes showcased the effectiveness of Mexico's SASMEX early warning system, which detected the magnitude 8.2 Tehuantepec earthquake and sent alerts to residents with almost two minutes' notice. However, improvements are needed to reduce processing times and ensure timely warnings for all residents.

New method enables high-resolution measurements of magnetism

Researchers from Uppsala University and collaborating institutions developed a new method to measure magnetism at the atomic level, enabling detailed analysis of magnetic nanostructures. This advancement is crucial for the development of next-generation spintronic components that require functional units only a few nanometers large.

Researchers take terahertz data links around the bend

Brown University researchers demonstrate that terahertz frequency data links can maintain acceptable bit-error-rates after bouncing off objects, enabling the possibility of non-line-of-sight links. The study's findings support the idea of terahertz local-area networks and could pave the way for future wireless networks with increased b...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The ozone layer continues to thin

The ozone layer has continued to decline in the lower stratosphere, contrary to expectations that it would have recovered by the middle of the century. Satellite measurements show a decrease in ozone concentrations at latitudes between 60° S and 60° N since the Montreal Protocol banned ozone-depleting substances in 1989.

Is hydrogen the fuel of the future?

Global experts argue that solar-driven water splitting can become the technology of choice for producing hydrogen, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, significant research efforts are needed to industrialize this process and make it suitable for the 21st century and beyond.

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.

HINODE captures record breaking solar magnetic field

Scientists analyzed data from HINODE to reveal a strongly magnetized iron atom signature in a sunspot, with a magnetic field strength of 6,250 gauss, more than double the usual amount. The strongest field was found at a bright region between two umbrae, not in the dark core as expected.

Next generation of fabrics will protect public

A team of UMass Lowell researchers has developed sensing fabrics with optical fibers and sensors to monitor structural health and integrity of vital infrastructures. These fabrics can detect cracks and strain early on, minimizing maintenance costs and environmental impacts.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Liquid crystal molecules form nano rings

Scientists have discovered a way to create materials with new properties by inducing liquid crystals to form ordered rings in nanopores. This self-assembly process allows for the design of nanomaterials that can be controlled through temperature, enabling novel applications in organic semiconductors.

Forty-year controversy in solid-state physics resolved

The study reveals that the remarkable surface conductivity of SmB6 is not related to its topological nature but rather due to a shifting of band gaps. This finding opens up new possibilities for energy-efficient information technology and spintronics.

Searching for targeted treatments for inflammatory diseases

Scientists have discovered key regulators that control the inflammatory response in chronic diseases such as Crohn's disease and multiple sclerosis. The NOD2 pathway plays a critical role in detecting bacterial invaders, but faults in its regulation can lead to uncontrolled inflammation.

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 future of wireless communications is terahertz

Researchers in Australia have developed a novel platform for light-matter interaction in fiber optics, opening up new horizons for communication and photonics technology. The system uses terahertz radiation with higher bandwidth capacity than current microwave networks.

Portland State study points to connection between religion and risk

A Portland State University study found that counties with more religious populations tend to have less risk-averse hedge fund managers, resulting in smaller and younger funds. Despite this, these funds produce returns comparable to the industry average, suggesting a link between local religiosity and organizational risk-taking.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Unknown language discovered in Southeast Asia

Researchers from Lund University have identified a previously unknown language in northern Peninsular Malaysia, dubbed Jedek. Spoken by 280 people, the language is an Austroasiatic variety with unique grammatical structures and vocabulary.

A new radiation detector made from graphene

Researchers have created a graphene-based radiation detector with a fast response time and the ability to work over a wide range of temperatures. The device exploits graphene's thermoelectric properties, generating an electric field that provides a direct measurement of radiation.

Studying outdoors is better

A study by TUM researchers found that outdoor instruction enhances students' basic psychological needs, particularly autonomy and competence. This leads to increased motivation in science subjects, with a positive impact on overall learning experience.

You might be paying too much for ads on Google, Bing

A new study from Binghamton University found that advertisers may be getting more clicks by placing ads in lower positions if they prioritize website quality, brand equity, and selling proposition over top spot ad placement. The model helps advertisers quantify expected clicks based on these factors.

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.

The dawn of gallium oxide microelectronics

Researchers propose using gallium oxide for producing microelectronics due to its large bandgap and high-breakdown-voltage capabilities. This enables the design of FETs with smaller geometries and improved energy density.

Dementia care improved by just one hour of social interaction each week

A large-scale trial found that upskilling care home staff to deliver person-centred care, combined with just one hour of social interaction per week, significantly improves quality of life and reduces agitation and aggression in people with dementia. The approach also saves money compared to standard care.

China's need to turn milk green

A study published in Global Change Biology warns that China's growing milk demand will strain global dairy resources, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions and land use if left unchecked. Improving domestic milk production efficiencies and adopting more sustainable practices could mitigate these impacts.

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.

How exercise training promotes a sound mind in a sound body

A new study from Karolinska Institutet shows that exercise training enhances fat metabolism and strengthens the anti-inflammatory properties of the immune system. Daily doses of kynurenic acid activated cell receptor GPR35, converting white fat to energy-burning brown fat.

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.

Pores with a memory

Researchers have developed a process to produce porous films made from shape memory polymers with precise dimensions, which can be reversibly changed with light. The films feature micropores that switch between different shapes and/or sizes, expanding possibilities in fields such as electronics and separation processes.

NASA finds wind shear tearing Tropical Cyclone Cebile apart

Wind shear significantly impacted Tropical Cyclone Cebile, with the bulk of clouds and thunderstorms being sheared to the southeast of the center. The storm is weakening due to dropping sea surface temperatures and high vertical wind shear, according to NASA's Aqua satellite observations.

New molecular test to impact influenza pandemic preparedness

The new FluChip-8G technology uses microarray analysis and artificial intelligence to identify flu viruses, providing rapid and detailed information for enhanced influenza surveillance. This will enable early warning systems in remote locations to detect potential pandemic threats.

New compound may stop bacteria from causing sickness

Researchers at UIC have identified a small molecule that promotes quorum sensing in Streptococci, stabilizing chemical signals between cells. This discovery may lead to new ways to manipulate bacterial activity and suppress virulence, potentially aiding in the fight against antibiotic-resistant infections.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Another piece to the puzzle in naked mole rats' long, cancer-free life

Researchers investigated naked mole rats' cellular senescence mechanism, finding unique features that contribute to their cancer resistance and longevity. Despite exhibiting senescence similar to mice, naked mole rats display a more structured response to senescence, which may be beneficial for longevity.

Type-2 diabetes: Insulin held up in traffic

A study by Uppsala University researchers reveals that a vesicle attachment defect is the root cause of insulin secretion problems in type-2 diabetes. The defect leads to slowed arrival of new insulin-containing vesicles at the cell membrane, resulting in insufficient insulin release.

Antibiotic-resistant plasmids flourish in hospital plumbing

Researchers discovered carbapenem-resistant plasmids in hospital pipes and sewers, suggesting a vast reservoir for antibiotic resistance. The findings imply that surveillance efforts can minimize patient infections, but the presence of resistant organisms in wastewater raises questions about their impact on public health.

Starving liver cancer

Researchers discover a two-step process to kill liver cancer cells by silencing an enzyme and adding metformin, potentially accelerating new treatments for this deadly disease. This approach has shown promise in treating liver cancer, where surgery is often not an option and available drugs are only moderately effective.

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.

There are more mammal species than we thought

A recent study published in the Journal of Mammalogy reveals that over 1000 new species of mammals have been described globally during the last dozen years. This rate of species discovery parallels that seen in global amphibians, driven by advances in DNA analysis methods and field exploration.

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.

Children affected by prenatal drinking more numerous than previously estimated

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that approximately one to five percent of first-grade children in the US have fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, rates comparable to those of autism spectrum disorders. Researchers evaluated over 6,000 children across four regions and estimated prevalence ...