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Science News Archive February 2018


Page 4 of 36

Powerful new imaging method reveals in detail how particles move in solution

A new X-ray laser method solves the phase problem for solution scattering, allowing scientists to visualize molecular structures in detail. This improvement will enable researchers to study viruses and other biological molecules more effectively, providing critical information about their internal density variations.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Receptors key to strong memories

Researchers at UC Davis identified SynDIG4 protein as a crucial regulator of synaptic plasticity, enabling the formation and consolidation of new memories. The discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying memory formation and could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for cognitive disorders.

Genetics researchers close in on schizophrenia

Researchers have discovered 50 new gene regions increasing schizophrenia risk, including genes previously associated with intellectual disability and autism. These findings shed light on the disorder's complex genetics, suggesting subtle genetic variants can contribute to its development.

Cartoon coyote's fall inspires development of new properties of silicon

Scientists have discovered a way to control the flow of terahertz photons using ordinary computer chips, which could lead to faster computers and higher bandwidth communications. The method uses a 'coyote time' effect, where the molecule doesn't know its energy after the first photon hits, allowing for more efficient switching.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Food insecurity screening works, but social stigma stands in its way

A food insecurity screening at pediatrician's offices was found to be effective but struggled with referrals due to fear of Child Protective Services and complicated processes. The study recommends better communication and connecting families with immediate resources to alleviate social stigma and improve outcomes.

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.

Jekyll and Hyde and seek

A signaling protein called Daple, normally a tumor suppressor, can be manipulated by growth factors to become a driver of malignant growth and metastasis in cancer cells. This discovery highlights the complexity of crosstalk between major signals that drive cancers.

Decrease seen in red blood cell, plasma transfusions in US

A study of US hospital inpatient discharges from 1993 to 2014 found a decrease in red blood cell and plasma transfusions between 2011 and 2014. This trend may be attributed to the implementation of restrictive transfusion practices aimed at improving patient outcomes and conserving blood.

Landscape genetics branches out to help conserve riverside forests

A study using landscape genetics identified a decline in the endangered maple Acer miyabei's population due to habitat loss and fragmentation. The research highlights the importance of preserving forests along rivers and surrounding them to maintain gene flow, ensuring the long-term survival of this unique species.

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.

Scientists seeking rare river crayfish aren't just kicking rocks

Researchers at the University of Illinois used a combination of traditional kick-seining and environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques to study the rare Faxonius eupunctus crayfish. They found the species most abundant in the middle part of its 30-mile range, with up to 35,000 cubic feet of water flowing by each second.

Quantum machine shows promise for biological research

Researchers applied quantum machine learning to a real-world biological problem, predicting the strength of binding sites for transcription factors. The study demonstrated the potential of quantum computing for biology, with results consistent with current understanding of gene regulation.

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.

Another clue for fast motion of the Hawaiian hotspot

Recent studies suggest that the Hawaiian hotspot moved southward at a rate of several tens of kilometers per million years. This new evidence contradicts the long-held assumption that hotspots are stationary and supports a dynamic Earth model.

UH receives $2.8 million to develop leaders in STEM education

The University of Houston has been awarded a $2.8 million grant to fund a teacher graduate program focused on STEM education. The program aims to prepare middle and high school teachers from underrepresented communities to lead STEM instruction and address disparities in education.

Wearable hospital lab: NSF awards $10 million for bioimaging

A Rice University-led team has been awarded $10 million by the NSF to create wearable and point-of-care microscopes that can monitor nearly 100 health conditions without invasive procedures. The technology aims to provide real-time, non-invasive imaging of tissues using on-chip illumination and sensing.

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.

Wind and solar could meet most but not all US electricity needs

The study found that wind and solar resources have natural variability, making it challenging to generate all electricity from these sources. Reliable electricity generation with 80% solar and wind requires a continent-scale transmission grid with at least 12 hours of storage.

Carnegie Mellon will help develop camera to see through skin

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are part of a $10 million program to develop a new type of camera that can peer deep beneath the skin to diagnose and monitor various health conditions. The camera uses computational scatterography to make sense of scattered light, enabling noninvasive bio-optical imaging at a cellular scale.

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.

Bonobo and chimpanzee gestures share multiple meanings

Researchers have discovered that bonobo and chimpanzee gestures share multiple meanings, with many gestures having similar functions across the two species. The study, published in PLOS Biology, defines the meaning of each bonobo gesture by analyzing reactions and satisfaction levels.

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.

Teaching quantum physics to a computer

Researchers developed machine learning software that allows computers to learn the quantum state of complex systems based on experimental observations. This approach enables faster tomography for quantum states and has implications for testing quantum computers with many qubits.

Saline use on the decline at Vanderbilt following landmark studies

Two landmark studies by Vanderbilt researchers show significant improvement in patient outcomes using balanced fluids instead of saline for intravenous therapy, leading to a decline in saline use at the hospital. The studies found a 1 percent lower incidence of serious kidney problems or death in patients receiving balanced fluids, res...

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.

Why are some mushrooms 'magic?'

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that psychedelic mushrooms developed psilocybin to interfere with insect neurotransmitters, lowering the chances of being eaten. This evolutionary explanation could guide medical science in finding novel treatments for neurological disorders.

A protein that self-replicates

Researchers at ETH Zurich have made a groundbreaking discovery that protein amyloids can self-replicate, challenging the long-held RNA hypothesis as the origin of life. The findings suggest that early life forms may have used amyloids as information carriers and catalytic units.

A marriage of light-manipulation technologies

Researchers successfully crafted a metasurface-based lens atop a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) platform, combining the best features of both technologies while reducing size. The device measures 900 microns in diameter and 10 microns in thickness, advancing LIDAR systems used to guide self-driving cars.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Enabling technology for emerging gene therapies

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a method enabling effective insertion of large molecules into cells using acoustic shear poration and electrophoresis. The approach has achieved greater than 75 percent delivery efficiency of macromolecules, including DNA insertion, which is significantly more challenging.

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.

Super-resolution microscopy in both space and time

A team of researchers has developed a technique that can perform both 3D super-resolution microscopy and fast 3D phase imaging in a single instrument, enabling high-time resolution visualization of living cells. This new platform, called PRISM, allows for direct visualization and analysis of subcellular structures without labeling.

New insights into treating a rare leukemia

A study published in Leukemia found that starting mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) treatment with a less-toxic regimen is linked to better remission rates and long-term survival. Patients treated initially with ALL therapy were three to five times more likely to achieve complete remission than those receiving AML therapy.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

UGR scientist developed 3-D scans of beetles for Blade Runner 2049

Prof Alba-Tercedor collaborated with BUF to create high-resolution microtomography images of tropical longhorn beetle species and darkling beetle Zophobas morio, used in the film's photorealistic models. The results demonstrate microtomography's value for reconstructing tiny animals' microscopic structural details.

High salinity protects corals from heat stress

Researchers at KAUST found that high salinity can protect corals from heat stress by increasing the levels of antioxidant floridoside. This compound helps regulate osmotic pressure and prevent severe bleaching in coral model organism Aiptasia.

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.

Fitness tracker data can enhance biomedical research and personalized health

Researchers have found that wearable activity data can predict various markers of risk for cardiovascular diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar. The study also identified active individuals at increased risk of having enlarged hearts, a condition commonly thought only to affect competitive athletes.

Scientists map, track breakaway cancerous cells with metal detection

Researchers at USC Michelson Center successfully utilize a new metal detection technique for studying cancer cells. By imaging metal-tagged antibodies on biopsies from a patient with metastatic prostate cancer, scientists can identify and characterize cancer cells in a blood sample after it is placed on a slide.